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Perfusionist vs intensive care unit nurse

The differences between perfusionists and intensive care unit nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a perfusionist has an average salary of $118,459, which is higher than the $79,483 average annual salary of an intensive care unit nurse.

The top three skills for a perfusionist include patients, patient care and heart-lung machine. The most important skills for an intensive care unit nurse are patients, BLS, and acls.

Perfusionist vs intensive care unit nurse overview

PerfusionistIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Yearly salary$118,459$79,483
Hourly rate$56.95$38.21
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs22,339611,699
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4344
Years of experience--

What does a perfusionist do?

A perfusionist is a healthcare expert who specializes in operating machinery that helps patients maintain blood flow during cardiac surgeries. As a member of a cardiothoracic surgical team, their duties also include monitoring the patient's vital signs, preparing cardiopulmonary bypass machines, meeting with team members before the surgery to identify the patient's needs, and developing strategies with the surgeons. Moreover, as a perfusionist, it is vital to maintain an active communication line with team members to ensure the surgery's success and the patients' safety.

What does an intensive care unit nurse do?

An Intensive Care Unit Nurse is specialized in providing care in intensive care units of hospitals. They assist in the treatment of acutely ill patients with life-threatening conditions.

Perfusionist vs intensive care unit nurse salary

Perfusionists and intensive care unit nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

PerfusionistIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Average salary$118,459$79,483
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $209,000Between $48,000 And $131,000
Highest paying CityRochester, MNSanta Clara, CA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaNevada
Best paying companyEssentia HealthDignity Health
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between perfusionist and intensive care unit nurse education

There are a few differences between a perfusionist and an intensive care unit nurse in terms of educational background:

PerfusionistIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianNursing
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutDuke University

Perfusionist vs intensive care unit nurse demographics

Here are the differences between perfusionists' and intensive care unit nurses' demographics:

PerfusionistIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Average age4344
Gender ratioMale, 61.2% Female, 38.8%Male, 18.2% Female, 81.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%9%

Differences between perfusionist and intensive care unit nurse duties and responsibilities

Perfusionist example responsibilities.

  • Manage floor, ICU and rehab in-patients as well as respond to ER and hospital consultation.
  • Manage patients who suffer respiratory/cardiac arrest per ACLS protocol.
  • Operate centrifugal ventricular assist devices, intra-aortic balloon pump, and cell saver devices.
  • Assist surgical team by passing instruments sutures, sponges, holding retractors and suctioning patient.
  • Monitor and assist during general, gyn, plastic, ortho, and peds cases.
  • Monitor pet's pulse and oxygen rates during surgical procedures for their safety and post surgery supportive care.
  • Show more

Intensive care unit nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage pre- and post-surgical care, specifically for GI disorders.
  • Manage patients who suffer respiratory/cardiac arrest per ACLS protocol.
  • Manage patients requiring blood transfusions, iv antibiotic therapy, complications from chemotherapy and radiation.
  • Care for cardiac patients in CCU.
  • Incorporate ACLS and BLS algorithms on a frequent basis.
  • Provide care to ventilator dependent patients, tracheal care, and ICP monitoring.
  • Show more

Perfusionist vs intensive care unit nurse skills

Common perfusionist skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Patient Care, 12%
  • Heart-Lung Machine, 8%
  • ECMO, 8%
  • Life Support, 4%
  • Blood Products, 4%
Common intensive care unit nurse skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • BLS, 18%
  • Acls, 13%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 6%
  • Catheter, 5%
  • Compassion, 5%

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