Critical care nurse vs registered nurse in pacu

The differences between critical care nurses and registered nurse in pacus can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a registered nurse in pacu has an average salary of $83,154, which is higher than the $76,788 average annual salary of a critical care nurse.

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

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse in pacu overview

	Critical Care Nurse	Registered Nurse In Pacu
Yearly salary	$76,788	$83,154
Hourly rate	$36.92	$39.98
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	594,859	507,239
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	44	44
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 in pacu do?

A post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) registered nurse is primarily in charge of taking care of patients following a procedure or surgery as they recover from the effects of anesthesia. Their responsibilities revolve around observing a patient's vital signs and consciousness, identifying and monitoring the side-effects from the anesthetics, and keeping an eye on the patient's overall behavior. Furthermore, it is essential to assist patients and their families or guardian, responding to any inquiries and concerns and discussing post-surgery care procedures.

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse in pacu salary

Critical care nurses and registered nurse in pacus have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Critical Care Nurse	Registered Nurse In Pacu
Average salary	$76,788	$83,154
Salary range	Between $45,000 And $130,000	Between $49,000 And $141,000
Highest paying City	Palo Alto, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	Rhode Island
Best paying company	Dignity Health	Dignity Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between critical care nurse and registered nurse in pacu education

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

	Critical Care Nurse	Registered Nurse In Pacu
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Nursing	Nursing
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse in pacu demographics

Here are the differences between critical care nurses' and registered nurse in pacus' demographics:

	Critical Care Nurse	Registered Nurse In Pacu
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 18.9% Female, 81.1%	Male, 10.8% Female, 89.2%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between critical care nurse and registered nurse in pacu 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.

Registered nurse in pacu example responsibilities.

Achieve departmental goals and objectives by instituting SGNA standards and processes for inpatient and outpatient care.
Stay current on ACLS, BLS and CPR while working in the critical care areas of the hospital.
general surgery, ent, orthopedics, endoscopy, cataract, gynocological, podiatry, or plastic surgeries.
Re-Cover patients according to policy in PACU.
Provide BLS and ACLS classes monthly and as needed.
Monitor patients post anesthesia including EKG monitoring, magnesium drips, watching VSS and closely monitor acute situations and conditions.

Critical care nurse vs registered nurse in pacu skills

Common critical care nurse skills

Patients, 31%
BLS, 11%
Acls, 8%
Life Support, 5%
Quality Care, 3%
Compassion, 3%

Common registered nurse in pacu skills

Patients, 22%
BLS, 13%
Acls, 9%
Acute Care, 5%
Critical Care, 3%
Advanced Life Support, 3%

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Critical Care Nurse
Critical Care Nurse vs Registered Nurse In Pacu

Updated January 8, 2025

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