ICU nursing jobs involve assisting in the treatment of acutely ill patients with life-threatening conditions who require complex assessment, high-intensity therapies and interventions, and continuous nursing vigilance, in settings like intensive care units and cardiac care units.
To be recruited for intensive care until nursing jobs, RNs must have an applicable degree in nursing and recent acute care experience. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses has found that many hospitals require nurses to spend a year or more on a medical-surgical floor before moving to the intensive care unit.
ICU nurse salary rates vary depending on factors including experience, certifications, and location, but typically average $75,800 per year, according to the 2012 Nurse Salary Survey from ADVANCE for Nurses. ICU nursing jobs that require additional experience and training frequently offer a higher ICU nurse salary in addition to benefits like free housing, flexible schedules, expense reimbursement and liability insurance. You also get comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage and the opportunity to keep your insurance for 30 days when between assignments.