Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) nurses work in facilities or specialty hospitals that care for medically complex or fragile patients. These patients are stable enough to be released from the hospital, yet too complex for rehabs, nursing homes, or home. Nurses in this specialty are Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses. LTAC nurse job descriptions note that they must use critical thinking and communication skills regularly. Are you looking for your next dream job? Check out the many LTAC travel nurse jobs available below.
LTAC nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care. Some responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering and maintaining IV infusions, providing wound care, providing wound vacs, and coordinating care. Many patients are treated for degenerative conditions, injuries, or life-altering conditions. LTAC nurses care for patients over an extended period of time, usually 25 days or more, and they have the opportunity to truly build rapport with patients. The average annual salary in the United States for a Long-Term Acute Care nurse is $91,000. Salaries can vary depending on experience and location.