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Critical care nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse

The differences between critical care nurses and registered nurses charge nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a critical care nurse has an average salary of $76,788, which is higher than the $71,342 average annual salary of a registered nurse charge nurse.

The top three skills for a critical care nurse include patients, BLS and acls. The most important skills for a registered nurse charge nurse are patients, BLS, and CPR.

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse overview

Critical Care NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Yearly salary$76,788$71,342
Hourly rate$36.92$34.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs594,859645,134
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Associate Degree, 51%
Average age4444
Years of experience-2

What does a critical care nurse do?

A critical care nurse is responsible for providing quality care for patients confined in the intensive care unit of a health care facility. Critical care nurses maintain an organized medical chart to report the patient's condition to an attending physician and other medical professionals. They also administer medication, regularly check the patient's vital signs, and assist the doctors in conducting medical procedures and laboratory examinations. A critical care nurse also suggests care plans for the patients, especially during discharge, to ensure total recovery.

What does a registered nurse charge nurse do?

A registered charge nurse is responsible for supervising nurses' workflow in a particular department or area, ensuring every patient gets the proper care that they need. A registered charge nurse has the discretion to direct tasks, arrange schedules, and monitor patients, such as in the aspects of admission and discharge. Furthermore, a registered charge nurse must maintain an active line of communication and coordination among nurses, physicians, and other personnel involved as the conditions in a hospital can be unpredictable.

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse salary

Critical care nurses and registered nurses charge nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Critical Care NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Average salary$76,788$71,342
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $130,000Between $46,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CASan Diego, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyDignity HealthAlameda Health System
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between critical care nurse and registered nurse charge nurse education

There are a few differences between a critical care nurse and a registered nurse charge nurse in terms of educational background:

Critical Care NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Associate Degree, 51%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse demographics

Here are the differences between critical care nurses' and registered nurses charge nurses' demographics:

Critical Care NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 18.9% Female, 81.1%Male, 12.1% Female, 87.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between critical care nurse and registered nurse charge nurse duties and responsibilities

Critical care nurse example responsibilities.

  • Interpret laboratory results, EKG readings, cardiac monitors, managing medication drips, and ventilator settings.
  • Monitor chemotherapy and administration of oral chemo medication, obtain laboratory specimens to manage client status via central lines.
  • Work on the general units of rehabilitation, geriatrics, and telemetry.
  • Work in critical care floors ranging from MICU to SICU to regular ICU.
  • Perform emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS, and other condition stabilizing interventions.
  • Care for patients with a wide variety of critical illnesses and are CCRN certify for many years.
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Registered nurse charge nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage intravenous therapy via peripheral and central catheters; antibiotic, TPN/lipid, constant cardiac medication infusion and fluid administration.
  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Assess and carefully monitor medically diverse patients who require telemetry and safely administer medications.
  • Collaborate with ICU team to provide excellent patient care utilizing critical thinking skills and evidence-base practice.
  • Document patient medical history and symptoms, administer treatment and medications, and follow-up with patients during rehabilitation.
  • Respond to codes, administering CPR and oxygen, monitoring vitals and preparing medications in anticipation of physician orders.
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Critical care nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse skills

Common critical care nurse skills
  • Patients, 31%
  • BLS, 11%
  • Acls, 8%
  • Life Support, 5%
  • Quality Care, 3%
  • Compassion, 3%
Common registered nurse charge nurse skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 8%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Acls, 4%
  • Direct Patient Care, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%

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