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What Does a Sub-Acute Nurse Do?

Sub-acute nurses provide inpatient care for people with injury or disease; commonly their patients are elderly. Sub-acute nurses treat patients who have AIDS, certain bacterial infections, brain injury, are on a ventilator, or who are recovering from surgery. They work in skilled nursing homes, long-term rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals. Their jobs are often demanding because the nature of many illnesses and injury are complex.

Education & Training Required to Become a Sub-Acute Nurse

To become a sub-acute nurse, a high school diploma is necessary, followed by one of the following: a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree, or a diploma from a hospital program. A bachelor or associate's degree can be earned through an accredited online degree program. To become a registered nurse (RN), you must then pass a National Council Licensure Examination. Additional training in IV and ventilator therapy, and extended-care skills can be acquired on the job, and should support career advancement and increases in salary.

Typical Characteristics of a Sub-Acute Nurse

Sub-acute nurses are highly skilled in a variety of clinical techniques due to the complexities of illnesses and injury their patients have. Sub-acute nursing requires the ability to work both alone and as part of a team. Qualities such as the ability to think on your feet, great organizational skills, patience, empathy, caring, and physical coordination are also highly desirable.

High Demand for Sub-Acute Nurses

Nurses, and especially sub-acute nurses, are currently in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nursing jobs should grow 22 percent in the years between 2008 and 2018. Sub-acute nurses in nursing facilities are especially in demand, and these jobs are expected to grow 25 percent over the same time range. Furthermore, as the average life expectancy rises, nurses should face increased demand to provide sub-acute care to the burgeoning elderly population.