Acute Care Nursing Careers at Ohio State

Acute care nurses at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are integral members of our health care team, caring for patients from different backgrounds who often have complex conditions. In the Acute Care Department, no day is ever the same, and we balance the art and science of medicine by providing evidence-based care with compassion. We focus on the person, not just their diagnosis, so as a Buckeye Nurse, you’ll join a team of specialists from many different medical disciplines to provide truly holistic care.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, rewarding environment, Ohio State offers acute care nursing opportunities at some of our hospitals, including our 26-story inpatient hospital that's opening in 2026. Whatever your area of medical interest, we’re likely to have a position that can engage you both personally and professionally while also giving you the kind of support, teamwork and opportunities for education and career advancement that you deserve.

What is acute care nursing?

Also referred to as medical-surgical or med-surg nurses, acute care nurses care for patients with short-term or sudden illnesses and injuries. The care is as varied as our patients and their conditions. As a frontline nurse, you’ll help coordinate treatment and provide medical care, health education and encouragement while interacting with patients and their loved ones before, during and after surgery.

You will find your niche here at Ohio State. Acute care nursing offers opportunities across our medical center including, but not exclusive to:

• Geriatrics – We’re ranked among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for specialized care for elders, and you can gain geriatric nurse credentials.
• Burn care – Work at the only adult American Burn Association-verified Burn Center in central Ohio.
• Hepatology – Join central Ohio’s leading program for both liver transplant and management of liver diseases that’s earned high-performing status for acute liver failure care.
• Bariatric and colorectal surgery – We’re in gastrointestinal surgery, and we perform over 600 bariatric surgeries each year.
• Trauma surgery – Gain experience at University Hospital, which is designated as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, or East Hospital, which is a Level III trauma center.
• Corrections unit – Provide compassionate care to prisoners of Ohio’s Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
• General medical floors – Join a team caring for a range of patients and an always changing list of conditions.
• Oncology – Care for patients at one of just two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Ohio (56 in the nation).
• Float pool – Add variation to your job by supporting many different teams.

Why acute care nursing at Ohio State?

As an academic health care center, we offer the latest medical treatments and innovative therapies — some of which are only available here or at just a few other locations in the nation. This puts you at the leading edge of medicine and in a work environment that’s dynamic, engaging and challenging.