Intensive Care Unit Nurse - Job Description - Duties and Requirements

Sep 13, 2026

Intensive Care Unit (ICU/CCU) Nurse job description defining the scope, responsibilities, and qualifications for critical care nursing work. The role provides direct, individualized nursing care using the nursing process, coordinates with multidisciplinary teams, administers and documents medications, monitors hemodynamic status and specialized equipment, and records patient information and vital signs. Responsibilities also include diagnostic testing coordination, lab specimen handling, patient education, patient advocacy, and compliance with safety, OSHA, unusual occurrence, HIPAA, and cultural practices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Position: Intensive Care Unit Nurse

Position Summary

Position Responsibilities

Other Responsibilities

Position Requirements

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

Care Staffing Professionals Job Description Position: Intensive Care Unit Nurse This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications which may be required of the employee assigned to the position. Depending on the size of the facility the job duties may vary. Receipt of the job description does not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind; my employment with the Company is at-will. Position Summary Nurses care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. Under general supervision, they deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation, in accordance with established philosophy. Nurses collaborate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Nurses effectively interact with patient and significant others, while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. The nature of the direction and supervision required for this position varies by State and job setting. Critical Care Nurses (ICU/CCU) provide care to acutely and critically ill patients, in a highly technical and ongoing monitoring environment. These patients are facing life-threatening problems with varying needs, which require extensive medication protocols and therapies. Critical Care Nurses face the additional responsibility for the emotional and psychosocial health of the patient, family and significant others. Position Responsibilities Critical Care Nurses (ICU/CCU) provide direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of scientific nursing principles. In addition to general nursing care, responsibilities of Critical Care Nurses include (but are not limited to): • Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans • Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications. Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed registered nurse • Provides basic, bedside care • Initiates patient education plan, as prescribed by physician. Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their illness/injury, by explaining: post-treatment home care needs, diet/nutrition/exercise programs, self-administration of medication and rehabilitation • Records patients’medical information and vital signs • Orders, interprets and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition • Takes samples for lab work, orders prescribed lab work and evaluates/interprets lab reports • Prepares equipment and aids physician during examination and treatment of patient • Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol • Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms • Applies Hemodynamic, Phlebotomy and IV protocols • Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients, and interprets and records electronic displays, such as intracranial pressures, central venous pressures, pulmonary artery pressures, and cardiac rhythms from cardiac monitors, respirators, ventilators, manometers, oxygen pumps, etc. • Monitors catheters, leads and tubing for proper placement and functioning • Initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring/life support equipment shows adverse symptomatology General Healthcare Resources, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer • Acts as patient advocate by supporting the basic rights, values and beliefs of the patient • Communic

FAQs

What core duties do ICU/CCU nurses perform?

ICU/CCU nurses provide direct, individualized nursing care using the nursing process and collaborate with other disciplines to ensure desired patient outcomes. They assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans while delivering bedside care and education.

How do ICU/CCU nurses manage monitoring and medications?

They prepare, administer, and record prescribed medications, and they document adverse reactions per medication administration policy. They monitor and adjust specialized equipment and interpret electronic displays such as intracranial pressures and cardiac rhythms, recording care information accurately and promptly.

What requirements and working conditions apply to the position?

The role requires graduation from an accredited nursing program, a current nursing license in good standing, and at least one year of Critical Care experience, with required credentials current on file. Working hours include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and the job involves frequent walking, lifting, transfers, exposure hazards, and precautions for back injury.

Sep 13, 2026

Uploaded by wps_ap_test_251126_0180