Nursing and Registered Nursing Profession

Critical Care and Emergency Nursing

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) represents nearly 16,000 highly trained professionals in more than 100 countries who provide care in specialized units and work toward the best outcome possible for all critically ill and injured patients. Annual critical care medicine costs increased from $56.6 to $81.7 billion, representing 13.4% of hospital costs, 4.1% of national health expenditures, and 0.66% of gross domestic product. Cost savings up to $1 billion per quality-adjusted life year can be attained with critical care management of severe sepsis, acute respiratory failure, and general critical care interventions. Twenty-four–hour intensives staffing reduces ICU costs and length of stay. Up to $13 million in annual hospital cost savings can be realized when care is delivered by an intensives-directed multi professional team.

Critical Care Nurses use their specialized skills as well as their in-depth knowledge of the human body and the latest technology in the field, to make sure that all critically ill patients get optimal care for their illnesses and injuries. They are specialized in treating adults, children and babies. Emergency nurses are endowed with specific knowledge, skills and attributes to provide care to critically ill or unstable patients and their families. They are well prepared to tackle life-threating problems and complex situations in extreme environments. Their activities are carried out in a variety of settings and not necessarily in an emergency room.