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Find out more about what is needed to join us. Browse the specialisms that we’re currently recruiting for at Thornbury.
Let’s begin by clearing something up: an ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit) nurse, an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nurse and a CCU (Critical Care Unit) nurse have pretty much the same role. They’re caring for patients with an acute (rapid onset) injury or an illness that needs specialist support, including mechanical intervention. ITU nurses will also find themselves caring for post-operative patients
Typical life-threatening trauma includes head injuries, knife or gunshot injuries, and burns. Serious acute illnesses may include heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, an asthma attack, organ failure, sepsis, and severe pneumonia. Patients with cancer may also be in an ITU as they recover from infection or transplant surgery.
The role and duties of an ITU nurse can vary from unit to unit. But all ITU nurses are fully qualified NMC-registered nurses, who specialise in looking after critically ill inpatients. ITU nurses may even be assigned to care for one or two seriously ill patients (such as a patient with complex needs including multi-organ failure and advanced respiratory difficulties who needs the highest level of Level 3 care).
ITU nurse duties can include:
As a registered adult nurse, with an up-to-date NMC registration, an ITU nurse will typically have studied nursing to degree level and completed at least a clinical placement in an intensive care (or high dependency) unit. Having an ITU/Critical Care and/or Mentorship qualification is also helpful. You’ll typically be required to have a theoretical knowledge of acute nursing, as well as a set of technical skills such as discharge planning, the ability to perform CPR, and a working knowledge of the life-support equipment used in an ITU unit.
Check out the requirements to work with the Thornbury Nursing Services team.
Find out more about what is needed to join us. Browse the specialisms that we’re currently recruiting for at Thornbury.
In the UK, most ITU nurses work in an NHS Trust Hospital (i.e. in the public sector). However, there are a small number of private hospitals with intensive care beds. Thornbury Nursing Services (TNS) works with both private and public sector employers across England and Wales. ITU nurses can also support patients living at home with long-term conditions, maintaining a high level of care and helping to avoid hospital admissions.
Here are just some of the skills that can help you in your career as an ITU nurse:
We are always looking for ITU nurses to join our team to work in temporary, last-minute placements in NHS and private hospitals or to support patients in the community. You’ll need to work to our high standards, and in return, you’ll receive full professional support from us.
We are looking for exceptional nurses and midwives to join our team. Register with Thornbury to access high rates of pay, paid mileage and support with revalidation.