nurse at bed-side with patient

Sub-Acute Nursing

Learn More about Sub-Acute Nursing

More intensive than long-term care but less intensive than acute care, sub-acute nurses provide goal-oriented treatment for patients with AIDS, brain injuries, infections such as bacterial endocarditis, wound care, hospice, ventilator care, and more.

As a sub-acute nurse, you’ll treat patients in need of 24-hour supervision in sub-acute units of a hospital or in a long-term care facility. You can treat patients of all ages; however, the majority will be elderly.

Preparation Path

Earn your BSN

Pass the NCLEX and become an RN

Gain experience in acute care, taking continuing education courses in rehabilitation and pharmacology

Typical Tasks

  • Managing patient wounds and pain
  • Administering IV therapy
  • Providing ventilator support

Employment Settings

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Long-term care facilities

Annual Salary Range

$64,500 – $100,000

Certification

RN

Education Requirements

BSN

Interested in taking the next step toward becoming a sub-acute nurse?