What is a critical care nurse there are many qualities skills and roles involved in critical care nursing the first step requires obtaining an associates or bachelors degree in nursing both . Critical care skills checklist personal information name date signature key to competency levels 0 no experience 1 minimal experience need review and supervision have performed at least once 2 comfortable performing with resource available 3 competent to perform independently and safely. 7 must have icu nursing skills needed to succeed 1 technical icu nursing skills every list of icu nurse skills starts with comprehensive education and hands on 2 passion for the job working in the icu is incredibly challenging the hours can be long and caring for critically ill 3 ability . A critical care nurse works in the intensive care unit icu providing specialized care for the daily needs of patients that are severely ill or injured it is a highly sought after position as critical care nurses are needed all across the country and many facilities do not have enough rns for their icu