Critical Care

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

High-acuity critical care for unstable patients — ventilators, drips, rapid response, and tight teamwork under pressure.

What to rate

Look for 1:1 or 1:2 ratios on vents, consistent charge support, and limited unplanned floating from unrelated floors.

Critical-care differential, certification pay, and overtime rules matter — compare base plus shift and weekend premiums.

Strong charge nurses, clear escalation paths, and physicians who respect bedside input reduce burnout on heavy shifts.

Lift teams, restraint protocols, PPE stock, and violence de-escalation training are baseline expectations in ICU.

Hospitals with this service line

4,653

Published nurse reviews

Ready to share your experience? Find your hospital and leave an honest review — it helps the next nurse deciding on a unit.

Area	Ask yourself
Staffing	Look for 1:1 or 1:2 ratios on vents, consistent charge support, and limited unplanned floating from unrelated floors.
Pay	Critical-care differential, certification pay, and overtime rules matter — compare base plus shift and weekend premiums.
Management	Strong charge nurses, clear escalation paths, and physicians who respect bedside input reduce burnout on heavy shifts.
Safety	Lift teams, restraint protocols, PPE stock, and violence de-escalation training are baseline expectations in ICU.
Overall fit	Would you recommend ICU at this hospital to a nurse with similar experience?
Next step	Find your hospital, rate staffing / pay / management / safety, and add a short note if something stood out.