Did you know that California tops the nation regarding nursing salaries? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nurses earn an average median salary of $106,950 in California. Additionally, California employs the most nurses in the U.S., with over 250,000 strong.
A significant perk that also sets California apart is a unique nurse-to-patient ratio law. The law calls for one nurse per five patients and one nurse for every two in intensive care units. It helps to keep nurses from being overworked while improving patient outcomes.
If you are contemplating working as a nurse in Silicon Valley, look at Mountain View, California. The panoramic mountain views are just one reason to come to the valley. If you want to become an ICU RN in Mountain View, California, here is a path.
Educational Requirements
The pathway begins with nursing education. It can be a diploma program, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Courses typically include physiology, anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences. Gaining practical clinical experience is also part of a program in nursing.
You might seek a nursing student externship. This senior year experience allows you to assist RNs in the ICU and benefit from their expertise and mentorship. Many nurse externs changeover into an RN new graduate internship program upon passage of the NCLEX.
If you are an experienced nurse in Mountain View, California, you will transition into the ICU by applying for the ICU position and engaging in a training program.
Certifications
Currently, in California, RN licensure requires either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Most hospitals now prefer to hire BSN candidates. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers several certifications. For an adult ICU nurse, the CCRN is a certification for acute/critical care nurses. There are additional modules for pediatrics and neonatal care.
Renewal of the CCRN requires contact hours. Options for renewal include retaking the exam or completing CERPs in the needed areas. You will also need to pay a charge of up to $200 and maintain an unencumbered RN license.
Duties
As an ICU nurse, you will care for patients with life-threatening disease complications, trauma, or disease processes requiring intensive and frequent nursing care. Typical duties include:
- Cultivate a plan of care to stabilize patients
- Communicate on behalf of patient and medical team
- Use physical assessment skills
- Administer lifesaving treatment
- Closely monitor one or several patients
- Prioritize patient care plan based on needs and care resources
- Document patient care, protocols and unit procedures
Salary
The average salary for an ICU RN in California is $97,115, and the field will continue to grow over the next decade. With advanced certification, you will always be in demand. The recruiters at Power Personnel can match your skills and qualifications to job openings throughout California and beyond, helping you advance your nursing career.
