ICU Nurses and the Delta Variant by Leigh Charlton
Why are more ICU nurses needed?
The infamous Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has recently dominated public health numbers, media coverage, and CDC guidance. Up to two times more infectious than previous strains, it is a threat to anyone who comes into contact with the illness, but especially the unvaccinated. Vaccines play an essential role in limiting the spread of the virus and reducing the severity of the disease if contracted. Consequently, COVID-19 numbers in states with lower vaccination rates have been spiking. Many of these states are depending on travel nurses to provide essential care for surging numbers of COVID-19 patients. People suffering from some of the most severe COVID symptoms are frequently treated in the ICU.
What do ICU nurses do?
ICU nurses are highly skilled; they care for some of the sockets patients. These nurses are able to quickly and calmly use their training to make decisions regarding emergent patient care. Their extensive training and experience helps patients in critical condition to survive and get well. ICU responsibilities include: evaluating and tracking patient condition, interpreting lab test results, monitoring medical equipment, administering medications, performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, and responding to immediate health emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICU nurses have had to handle the additional burdens of increased numbers of patients, the emotional toll of treating patients whose families are not permitted to see them, and the disheartening patient outcomes of a mysterious and deadly virus.
Why work as an ICU nurse?
Working in the ICU takes quick thinking, high skill levels, and dedication. It is a prestigious position that reflects well on a nurse’s work experience. Furthermore, the low nurse to patient ratio that comes with working as an ICU nurse typically affords nurses the opportunity to get to know and work closely with just a few patients and their families. This allows them to form a more intimate and rewarding connection with these groups. Additionally, the experience of healing an extremely ill patient and witnessing their return to health can be incredibly rewarding.
What kind of certification do you need to be an ICU nurse?
There are four AACN certifications that qualify an APRN or RN for critical care. These consist of the CCRN (Adult), CCRN (Neonatal), CCRN (Pediatric), and CMC (Adult).
Where are ICU nurses needed?
According to the New York Times, one in five ICUs have reached or experienced 95% of beds occupied in recent weeks, which equates to about 76% of ICU hospital beds nationwide. Each of the following states have experienced serious surges of the Delta variant and are operating at high rates of ICU occupancy:
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Florida
- Louisiana
If you are interested in working as an ICU nurse or working in a state currently experiencing a serious surge of Delta variant cases, be sure to use Wanderly to find job options. With Wanderly, you can filter search results by both specialty (i.e. ICU nursing) or location.