PICU nurse jobs

PICU Nurse jobs: frequently asked questions

(Updated Dec 2024)

Welcome to our PICU Nurse jobs page, featuring the very latest PICU nursing roles across the UK, as well as frequently asked questions below.

What is a PICU Nurse?

A PICU Nurse works in a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU), supporting patients with acute mental health problems. This is not be confused with a paediatric intensive care unit Nurse, who works instead in a specialised paediatric unit.

The PICU is often the first point of contact for someone with acute mental health needs, so a PICU Nurse works as part of a team to stabilise patients and begin the process of assessments and planning further treatments.

What are the daily responsibilities of a PICU Nurse?

No two days are the same for a PICU Nurse, but typical duties may theoretically include:

• Supporting a PMVA team (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression) in restraining agitated patients

• Monitoring patients

• Administering medication

• Making and writing up assessments

• Supporting the creation of treatment plans and therapies

• Communicating with patients’ families and loved ones

How do you become a PICU Nurse?

To become a PICU Nurse you need a nursing degree and to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). PICU Nurses normally do a degree in mental health nursing, although it’s possible to specialise in adult or children’s nursing and then transfer.

Theoretically, your first position after qualifying could be as a Band 5 PICU Nurse, but PICU Nurses often gain experience in wider mental health wards first.

In terms of personality traits and skills, you’ll need plenty of patience, compassion, common sense, a great understanding of medication, and a sense of humour.

It can be a very challenging role, so you’ll need to be fully prepared for the tests you’ll face.

How much does a PICU Nurse earn?

Very broadly, the average PICU Nurse probably earns somewhere between £35,000 and £45,000 a year according to the latest industry stats, and average tenures.

Roles start at Band 5, with starting salaries of £29,969 a year, while senior staff Nurses working in a PICU will likely earn a Band 6 salary, currently starting at £37,339.

Experienced PICU Nurses can earn up to and beyond £45,000 a year.

In terms of boosting your salary, the most important thing is to constantly seek opportunities to gain more qualifications and experience. Consequently, you’ll be able to move into higher bandings and apply for more senior positions.

Your other option is to seek out bank or agency roles. This type of work could supplement your regular income, and in many cases offers a comparatively higher rate of hourly pay.

Find your next PICU Nurse job today

View our latest roles above, or if you can’t find what you’re looking for, create an account, register your CV here and we’ll send you the latest positions as soon as we get them.