Best Nursing Critical & Intensive care Books of 2026

Barron’s Adult CCRN Exam Premium is the ultimate guide for those seeking to pass the Adult CCRN exam. The book contains 3 practice tests, comprehensive reviews, and online study prep, all designed to help you succeed in your certification journey. With more than 500 practice questions, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the exam with confidence. This book is unique in its ability to provide a concise and easy-to-digest outline format, making it an excellent resource for busy professionals looking to optimize their study time. Overall, Barron’s Adult CCRN Exam Premium is a must-have for anyone looking to take their critical care nursing career to the next level.

The Critical Care Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, 5th Edition, is a comprehensive guide that offers clear and concise direction for treating acute and life-threatening issues in critical care nursing. The book provides guidance on critical care basics, nursing skills, and specialized areas, such as advanced life support measures and multisystem trauma. It is an ideal resource for students, nurses new to clinical care, and those preparing for the Critical Care (CCRN) certification exam. With numerous images and charts, step-by-step directions, and expert guidance, this book is an excellent review text for mastering the components required to pass the CCRN certification exam.

Barron's Test Prep presents Adult CCRN Exam Flashcards, Second Edition, a comprehensive guide to help nurses prepare for the Adult CCRN exam. The book includes 425 up-to-date review and practice questions, written and reviewed by an expert CCRN instructor and former clinical nurse specialist. The book breaks down essential topics, including cardiovascular and respiratory concepts, into an easy-to-follow outline format. Additionally, the book offers tips, strategies, and study advice for exam day, as well as a sorting ring to customize review. This book is a must-have for any nurse looking to successfully pass the Adult CCRN exam.

The Hemodynamic Monitoring Made Incredibly Visual, 4th Edition, is an essential reference for nursing students, new nurses, and critical care nurses. The book provides clear and concise direction on the concepts, devices, and nursing skills used in hemodynamic monitoring, with hundreds of colorful images that guide readers through the complexities of hemodynamics. The book covers cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pressure monitoring, cardiac output monitoring, tissue oxygenation monitoring, circulatory assist devices, and more. The book is an ideal on-the-spot reference and review for nursing students and new nurses. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to build a solid knowledge base in hemodynamic nursing skills.

Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing is a valuable resource for both new and experienced nurses caring for patients in critical care units following cardiac surgery. The third edition of the book is based on an evidence-based foundation and includes new chapters on nutritional issues, post-ICU care, psychological and spiritual support, and rehabilitation care. Published in partnership with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the book is an ideal resource for nurses preparing for the Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) subspecialty exam offered by AACN. Overall, this book is a must-have for all nurses caring for acute and critically ill patients in the field of cardiology.

This guide, titled "Fast Facts for the ER Nurse, Fourth Edition," is a valuable resource for emergency department nurses seeking to provide high-quality patient care. The book is organized by disease and disorder within each body system, making it easy to access and view at a glance. The fourth edition includes updated information on medication, street drugs, and the opioid crisis, along with guidelines from reputable organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. The book's useful tricks of the trade and survival tips make it an essential reference for both new ER nurses and their preceptors. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for any emergency medical services professional.

Undercover Epicenter Nurse is a shocking exposé of the malpractice and corruption that led to unnecessary deaths at Elmhurst Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erin Olszewski, a combat veteran and registered nurse, went undercover to expose the filthy conditions, lax sanitation measures, and hospital-acquired cases of COVID-19 that were spreading like wildfire. She recorded conversations with other nurses, videos of malpractice, and more to share what she found on social media. This book is a call to action for justice and accountability, and to end the corruption that puts future Americans at risk.

Merenstein & Gardner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 9th Edition, co-authored by physicians and nurses, is a comprehensive resource for interprofessional, collaborative care of critically ill newborns. The book provides updated clinical care guidelines, practice recommendations, and pain assessment tools, along with expanded content on delivery-room care, palliative care, and interprofessional collaborative care of parents with depression or grief. The unique interprofessional collaborative approach and practical quick-reference format make it a valuable guide for both nurses and physicians. Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone involved in neonatal intensive care.

The AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive textbook that provides practical guidance on caring for critically ill adult patients and their families. Endorsed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, this book is organized in a logical building-block manner, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced topics. It includes helpful tables and essential content cases, making it an essential tool for clinicians at the point of care and those preparing for CCRN certification. The book is presented in four sections, covering core information, pathologic conditions, advanced concepts in caring, and key reference information. Overall, this book is a must-have for any critical care nurse seeking to provide safe and competent care to critically ill patients.

Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple is an updated approach to clinical microbiology with mnemonics, summary charts, and illustrations. It covers a wide range of infectious diseases from Ebola to COVID-19, including the latest diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. The book is ideal for healthcare students and professionals, making it easy to understand complex subjects and develop critical thinking skills. This book is unique in its approach to medical information, making it accessible, and fun to learn.