Critical Care Nurses

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 14 (48%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 12 (41%)

• Document patients' medical histories and assessment findings.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Document patients' treatment plans, interventions, outcomes, or plan revisions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Participate in professional organizations and continuing education to improve practice knowledge and skills.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Evaluate patients' vital signs or laboratory data to determine emergency intervention needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor patients for changes in status and indications of conditions such as sepsis or shock and institute appropriate interventions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Prioritize nursing care for assigned critically ill patients, based on assessment data or identified needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Compile and analyze data obtained from monitoring or diagnostic tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct pulmonary assessments to identify abnormal respiratory patterns or breathing sounds that indicate problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assess patients' pain levels or sedation requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Collaborate with other health care professionals to develop and revise treatment plans, based on identified needs and assessment data.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Supervise and monitor unit nursing staff.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify patients at risk of complications due to nutritional status.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assess patients' psychosocial status and needs, including areas such as sleep patterns, anxiety, grief, anger, and support systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Identify patients' age-specific needs and alter care plans as necessary to meet those needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Participate in the development, review, or evaluation of nursing practice protocols.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Coordinate patient care conferences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan, provide, or evaluate educational programs for nursing staff, interdisciplinary health care team members, or community members.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Administer medications intravenously, by injection, orally, through gastric tubes, or by other methods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor patients' fluid intake and output to detect emerging problems, such as fluid and electrolyte imbalances.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect specimens for laboratory tests.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up and monitor medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms, oxygen delivery devices, transducers, or pressure lines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer blood and blood products, monitoring patients for signs and symptoms related to transfusion reactions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Advocate for patients' and families' needs, or provide emotional support for patients and their families.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assess family adaptation levels and coping skills to determine whether intervention is needed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, based upon patients' clinical status.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist physicians with procedures such as bronchoscopy, endoscopy, endotracheal intubation, or elective cardioversion.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Identify malfunctioning equipment or devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide post-mortem care.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Ensure that equipment or devices are properly stored after use.Little or no AI speed-up · core task