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Forensic nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse

The differences between forensic nurses and registered nurses charge nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a forensic nurse and a registered nurse charge nurse. Additionally, a registered nurse charge nurse has an average salary of $71,342, which is higher than the $63,589 average annual salary of a forensic nurse.

The top three skills for a forensic nurse include patients, child abuse and mental health. The most important skills for a registered nurse charge nurse are patients, BLS, and CPR.

Forensic nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse overview

Forensic NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Yearly salary$63,589$71,342
Hourly rate$30.57$34.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs45,038645,134
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Associate Degree, 51%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Forensic nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse salary

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

Forensic NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Average salary$63,589$71,342
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $111,000Between $46,000 And $110,000
Highest paying City-San Diego, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Alameda Health System
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between forensic nurse and registered nurse charge nurse education

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

Forensic NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Associate Degree, 51%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Forensic nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse demographics

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

Forensic NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 8.8% Female, 91.2%Male, 12.1% Female, 87.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.4% 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 forensic nurse and registered nurse charge nurse duties and responsibilities

Forensic nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Plan, provide, and monitor individualized nursing care and evidence collection to pediatric patients of acute sexual assault
  • Charge responsibilities for 3-6 CNAs.
  • Perform medical forensic exams on patients who have been sexually assault and provide care and follow-up education
  • Work independently under protocols for treatment to provide STI risk assessment, treatment, and prophylaxis including emergency contraception.
  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
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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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Forensic nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse skills

Common forensic nurse skills
  • Patients, 35%
  • Child Abuse, 7%
  • Mental Health, 7%
  • Comprehensive Care, 7%
  • Forensic Evidence, 6%
  • Evidence Collection, 5%
Common registered nurse charge nurse skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 8%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Acls, 4%
  • Direct Patient Care, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%

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