Acute Care Jobs That Pay Well

Working in a hospital, nursing home, or elsewhere in the medical industry can be challenging and rewarding. If you are interested in working in this field, you might need to have some experience or be willing to learn new skills. However, there are many jobs available for those who are willing to learn. In this article, we discuss some of the best acute care jobs.
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Registered Nurse

$36.79 per hour

Most registered nurses (RNs) work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. They provide patient care, such as assessing, diagnosing and treating patients. They supervise and train nursing staff and maintain patient records. RNs must have a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of RNs. They provide basic patient care, including bathing, feeding and dressing patients. An LPN also often performs clinical tasks and assists doctors and nurses by providing medication, updating patient charts and more.

Respiratory Therapist

$37.01 per hour

Respiratory therapists provide care and treatment to people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or emphysema. They also teach other health care providers about the respiratory system and perform outpatient procedures. Respiratory therapists may provide care in a hospital setting or in a home environment. They must be licensed by the state and meet a minimum educational requirement in order to practice.

Progressive Care Nurse

$63,000 per year

Progressive care nurses help patients with progressive diseases lead more comfortable lives. They provide personal care, comfort care and assistive devices to patients with conditions such as congestive heart failure, arthritis and diabetes. They’re also responsible for educating patients about their conditions, responding to symptoms and administering medications. Progressive care nurses monitor patient progress and provide support services if necessary.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

$101,900 per year

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) provides care to patients on a regular basis in a variety of settings, such as home health, long-term care and hospitals. The primary duties of an APRN include assessing a patient’s condition, assessing his or her ability to function and recommending appropriate treatments. APRNs care for patients with multiple health conditions and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals. They may also provide education to patients on how to manage their illnesses. APRNs typically work under the supervision of an RN. They may also work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians. APRNs are typically licensed and regulated by individual states. APRNs must have a master's degree or a doctorate in nursing.

Patient Care Technician

$15.60 per hour

A patient care technician is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing assistance to patients who are undergoing medical procedures. They may be responsible for monitoring a patient’s vital signs or performing other duties. Other common tasks include preparing a sterile area, administering medications and removing bandages. The patient care technician may also transport patients to and from medical appointments. They should maintain medical records and make sure equipment is functioning properly.

Patient Assistant

$16.42 per hour

Patient assistants provide the support and assistance a patient needs in a hospital or medical center. They might help with meal preparation, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry and shopping for the patient. They also check daily for symptoms or changes and provide updates on the patient’s condition. A patient assistant might also answer phones and direct calls to the right person or department.

Telemetry Nurse

$47.31 per hour

Telemetry nurses work in intensive care units and operating rooms. They monitor and provide care to patients in these settings. Telemetry nurses administer medications, monitor vital signs and perform other critical tasks. They may also help prepare patients for surgery. Telemetry nurses often coordinate care for other nurses, orderlies and other staff members.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

$107,700 per year

A pediatric nurse practitioner specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric diseases and conditions. They work with patients and families and supervise nursing assistants and other clinical staff. Nurses may collaborate with other specialists to develop a treatment plan for a child. They also provide medical advice, educate parents and children about healthy lifestyles, and offer support to parents on issues related to their children. Pediatric nurse practitioners may also provide preventive care, such as immunizations and well-child visits.

Telemetry Technician

$19.70 per hour

Telemetry technicians help medical professionals diagnose and treat patients. They monitor patients’ vital signs and other information through electrocardiograph (ECG) machines and other monitoring equipment. Telemetry technicians record and analyze data and make sure equipment is functioning properly. They help physicians communicate with each other and their patients. A telemetry technician also works with doctors to ensure patients receive the correct treatment.

Environmental Specialist

$57,800 per year

Environmental specialists are responsible for ensuring that all hazardous materials are contained and disposed of properly. They need to be familiar with all federal, state and municipal rules and regulations. Environmental specialists may monitor the environment in their area to assess pollution effects. An environmental specialist often coordinates with other staff members to ensure the facility is in compliance with all relevant regulations.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

$37.32 per hour

Nuclear medicine technologists work with radioactive materials and equipment. They prepare and administer radiation treatments and test patients’ blood for a variety of health conditions. They also perform imaging procedures, such as x-rays, CT scans and MRIs, to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Techs use radioactive tracers to monitor patients’ blood flow and diagnose cardiovascular diseases. They also use radioactive material to diagnose conditions like brain tumors, bone cancer, or leukemia. To do this, they inject the radioactive material into the body and read the results of the scan. Nuclear medicine technologists might also administer diagnostic tests, collect samples for testing and remove radioactive material from the patient’s body. A nuclear medicine technologist may supervise a staff of assistants as well.

Nursing Assistant

$91,400 per year

A nursing assistant supports a registered nurse in the delivery of healthcare services. They may work in a hospital, nursing home, doctor's office or another healthcare facility. Nursing assistants make sure patients are safe and comfortable, perform support tasks for the RN, and ensure patients receive the care they need. They may also prepare patients for discharge, ensure patient records are up to date and administer medications.
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