The role of an acute care nurse is a very important one within the healthcare system. Nursing job opportunities in Dublin are becoming more competitive. Here at Three Q we help acute nurses to find their perfect career from our job listings compiled by our clients. Whether you’re looking for Permanent or Temp work, we’ll help you to get your ideal acute nursing job. If you’re a nurse who’s unsure what specialty you’d like to pursue, or maybe are just curious about what the job entails, we’ve put together some of the aspects of what an acute care nurse is responsible for.
Acute care is a nursing specialty and nurses generally only work with patients for only a short amount of time. Typical duties include treatment after surgery or for a chronic illness. An acute care nurse must be an NBMI registered nurse. Acute nurses are highly skilled and in demand. This is due the need for acute nurses to be fast learners and adaptable to change, as an acute nurse you will learn something new each day . You must be able to solve conflicts with time management as it is a fast paced job and the job will change continually change due to new developments in health care.
What is acute care?
Acute care falls under the broader category of secondary care – the stage after primary care (when a patient makes first contact with medical professionals). Acute care involves the treatment of patients diagnosed with short term but serious conditions – and might take place in a number of clinical settings like Accident & Emergency, Intensive Care and Neonatal Care. Typical medical conditions an acute care nurse may be called upon to treat range from severe injury and chronic illness, to strokes and infectious diseases.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Like other nursing roles, acute nurses work with patients, perform administrative tasks and assist other medical professionals, like doctors and consultants. A typical day might include: the assessment and monitoring of patient conditions, checking symptoms and vital signs and arranging diagnostic tests, developing ongoing care plans, administering intravenous drips or different types of medication, checking and using specialised equipment such as monitors and ventilators
As an acute nurse working in hospital wards, GP surgeries or community care centres, no two days will ever be the same – and you should expect surprises. Acute nurses may be first on the scene when a patient’s condition changes – for better or worse – and should be prepared to administer emergency first aid. Conversely, acute nurses deal frequently with patients whose conditions are improving – which could mean contacting family members and support services or arranging transfer to different facilities.
Skills and qualities
Acute care professionals deal with a huge number of patients presenting with a wide range of conditions so an ability to be caring, compassionate and patient is crucial. Acute nurses may have to deal with patients with learning disabilities or those suffering from dementia – these situations demand excellent communication skills. Given the fluid nature of the role, nurses should be prepared to think quickly – and on their feet – and adapt to the demands of on-going medical situations.
The starting point of an acute care nursing career is the a bachelor degree of science in nursing and an NBMI membership. Many hospitals now offer acute care orientation and internship programs. By taking positions in acute care subspecialty areas such as oncology, cardiac care, or geriatrics, acute nurses can advance their careers. A majority of these positions require acute care nurse practitioners.
Further Your Career
Acute care nurses have plenty of opportunities for career advancement and increased salary. A number of job boards show an abundance of available jobs. These nurses are highly skilled and enjoy great demand, and openings are in available in a variety of settings beyond hospitals. Continued hiring growth makes the outlook for this nursing specialty a truly positive one. Additional steps on the career ladder include advancing to a charge nurse or becoming a nursing educator or administrator.
Acute care nursing promises new challenges every day, but for committed and capable nurses, offers a long, rewarding career. To keep up to date on the industry developments and find vacant acute care positions, check out our roles and read the latest from us at Three Q. If you are an employer and are wishing to advertise your job in our listings, please email sales@3reqruitment.ie or phone +353 1878 3335 .
