The ability to act with good judgement in high-pressure situations is essential for all nurses, but it’s particularly important for those who work in an intensive care unit (ICU). Because ICU nurses provide life support and critical care for severely ill patients, they need to be able to stay calm and work with diligence under stressful conditions.
This article will explain the differences between a registered nurse and an ICU nurse, and outline the path to specialising in ICU nursing. We’ll also provide information about the benefits of studying a Graduate Certificate in Health (Intensive Care Nursing).
Firstly, what is a registered nurse?
Australia has a regulated system of accreditation for health professionals, and nurses are required to complete an approved training pathway to become registered to practise with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
To ensure that Australia’s registered health practitioners are properly trained, the NMBA works with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to regulate the healthcare industry.
If you need information about nursing regulations in Australia, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website is a good resource. You can also get in touch with the Course Consultants at Federation Uni Online if you want to speak to someone about your specific career goals.
You’ll need to register with the NMBA to use any of the following titles:
- Enrolled nurse
- Registered nurse
- Nurse practitioner
In line with these regulations, you’ll need to have completed a Bachelor of Nursing or a Master of Nursing to be able to work as a registered nurse in Australia.
Key responsibilities of registered nurses include assessing patients, developing nursing care plans, providing specialised nursing care, administering medicines, and supervising enrolled nurses and junior registered nurses.
What is an ICU nurse?
Also known as a critical care nurse, an ICU nurse provides care for patients in intensive care units. Critically ill patients require a special level of support because their condition can deteriorate very quickly, therefore ICU nurses need to be good at acting quickly and staying calm under pressure.
ICU nurses care for patients with serious injuries, as well as patients with serious short and long-term conditions (such as heart disease). Sometimes the environment within an ICU can be intense, especially in situations where multiple people with catastrophic injuries are admitted to the hospital. For this reason, ICU nurses need to be very good at multitasking and communicating.
What does an ICU nurse do?
One of the most important responsibilities of an intensive care nurse is to operate and monitor the equipment that’s used to support the health and bodily functions of critically ill patients.
These are some examples of life support equipment used in ICUs:
- Ventilators to assist with breathing
- IV lines and pumps (used to provide medication and fluids)
- Feeding tubes to supply nutrition
- Equipment that monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels
- Catheters and drains to remove build-ups of blood, fluid, and/or bodily waste
In addition to using special equipment to monitor a patient’s condition, ICU nurses are also tasked with administering essential medication, documenting the progress of their patients, and communicating clearly with doctors, other healthcare professionals, and the patient’s family members. High levels of technical expertise are required, but the job also needs empathy and sensitivity.
What does the path to becoming an ICU specialist from a registered nurse look like?
From an educational perspective, a Bachelor of Nursing is required to become a registered nurse in Australia. In order to practise as a registered nurse, your application must be approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Becoming an ICU nurse
Only registered nurses are eligible to work as ICU nurses. Once you’ve been working as a registered nurse for some time, you might have opportunities to gain experience working in an intensive care unit.
Once you have ICU nursing experience, you might like to consider studying for a Graduate Certificate in Health (Intensive Care Nursing). This is an especially useful course if you have ambition to become a leader in your field.
Many employers in Australia also require their ICU team to have additional qualifications that provide ICU specialist training. These qualifications/certifications may include:
- An Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification
- Completion of a Critical Care Nursing course
- A certification in a specific area of critical care (such as, for example, neurocritical care)
How do I become an ICU nurse in Australia?
In Australia, you’ll need to work as a registered nurse first before you can move into ICU nursing. If you’re an experienced registered nurse currently working in a hospital, you might have opportunities to work in ICU wards. This practical experience is an essential prerequisite to becoming an established ICU nurse.
Once you’ve gained practical experience inside ICU wards, you can apply to study for a Graduate Certificate in Health (Intensive Care Nursing) at Federation Uni Online.
Designed for nurses already working in an intensive care setting, this course gives you the opportunity to develop and integrate advanced level theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning for the care of critically ill patients. As a specialist intensive care nurse, you’ll be able to take an active role in the management of the sickest patients within our healthcare system.
You’ll be able to apply your current work experience to your studies, helping you develop advanced knowledge relating to critical illness, disease, severe injuries, and trauma. Upon graduation, you’ll be recognised for your specialist skills in intensive care, leading to opportunities for management or leadership positions.
To apply, you must have successfully completed a three-year (minimum) bachelor level qualification in nursing. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate current and satisfactory registration with AHPRA as a registered nurse. If you have any questions about applying, please feel free to get in touch with our Course Consultants.
Can newly qualified nurses work in ICU?
Due to the challenging nature of ICU nursing, this specialised area is best suited to registered nurses who have accrued substantial experience working within hospital ICU wards. It’s not just a matter of having technical knowledge; ICU nurses need to be able to make good decisions quickly, while retaining their composure in chaotic situations. This only comes with experience.
Find out more about becoming an ICU nurse
Our intensive care nursing page has more detailed course information – and you can also explore our other nursing courses to learn more about how Federation Uni Online can advance your career in healthcare.
If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with our Course Consultants , or apply online today.
