Critical care registered nurses are adept at providing such care in settings where patients have suffered a heart attack, stroke, shock, severe trauma, respiratory distress or other severe medical issues. Specific critical care nurse duties and responsibilities can include: Assessing a patients condition and planning and implementing patient care plans Treating wounds and providing advanced life support Assisting physicians in performing procedures Observing and recording patient vital signs Ensuring that ventilators, monitors and other types of medical equipment function properly/adjusting ventilator/IABP Administering intravenous fluids and medications Suctioning Collaborating with fellow members of the critical care team Responding to life-saving situations, using nursing standards and protocols for treatment Acting as patient advocate Providing education and support to patient families Critical care nurses may also care for pre- and post-operative patients. In addition, some ser...