Critical Care Awareness Month

May is Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month, a month set aside to recognize ICU RNs across the country. While the work of these nurses is always important, the vital role they play in the healthcare system and in the lives of their patients and patients’ families has never been more evident.

Critical care nurses spend their time caring for patients with life-threatening conditions, injuries, and illnesses. CCRNs are typically employed in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) or injury rehabilitation centers.

Some of the include helping with mobility and pain, tracking vitals, working with physicians during procedures, treating wounds, providing life support, and supporting patients’ families. Because of the skill and knowledge required, critical care nurses are perpetually in high demand across the country. The pandemic has highlighted the role of CCRNs, and they have earned well-deserved kudos for their skills and dedication.

Even under “normal” circumstances, critical care nurses have chosen a very high-pressure job. The patients they care for are unstable, meaning that critical care nurses never know what to expect from a patient one moment to the next. They must be able to react instantly to any changes or crises - lives literally hang in the balance. Because they care for some of the most at-risk patients, ICU nurses frequently encounter loss and heartbreak. On top of the high standard of medical care they provide, they often play the roles of counselor and comforter.

The intensity of their jobs can take a toll on critical care nurses, yet they are an integral part of healthcare and are on the front lines. This month, we want to take an extra moment to recognize the sacrifices they make every day. Because of the job they perform, many people’s mothers, brothers, wives, husbands, friends, and loved ones have received compassionate, quality care in the moments they need it the most.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses provides information on education, critical care nursing certification and events at which CCRNs can get the latest information on developments in their field.

This May, it’s extra important to reach out to the ICU nurses in your life. Let them know you appreciate the work they do and the sacrifices they are making every day.

For all the CCRNS out there on the front lines - thank you for your service.