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Practical nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse

The differences between practical 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 practical nurse and a registered nurse charge nurse. Additionally, a practical nurse has an average salary of $75,363, which is higher than the $71,342 average annual salary of a registered nurse charge nurse.

The top three skills for a practical nurse include patients, APN and home health. The most important skills for a registered nurse charge nurse are patients, BLS, and CPR.

Practical nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse overview

Practical NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Yearly salary$75,363$71,342
Hourly rate$36.23$34.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs511,602645,134
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%Associate Degree, 51%
Average age4644
Years of experience22

What does a practical nurse do?

A practical nurse is responsible for providing the highest quality care services for the patients and assisting them with their needs and concerns. Practical nurses work within a health institution or private household to support the patients in their daily activities, monitor their conditions, administer medication, and inform the doctors of their health updates. They also coordinate with other medical professionals to develop nursing care plans and activities to suit the patients' lifestyle and keep their active wellbeing.

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.

Practical nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse salary

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

Practical NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Average salary$75,363$71,342
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $120,000Between $46,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CityLancaster, CASan Diego, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyUniversity HospitalsAlameda Health System
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between practical nurse and registered nurse charge nurse education

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

Practical NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%Associate Degree, 51%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Practical nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse demographics

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

Practical NurseRegistered Nurse Charge Nurse
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 14.3% Female, 85.7%Male, 12.1% Female, 87.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 6.3% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage7%9%

Differences between practical nurse and registered nurse charge nurse duties and responsibilities

Practical nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage surgical recovery patients including vascular, ENT, GI urological and neurological cases, coronary bypass surgery patients.
  • Treat patients with dignity, respect, and compassion while maintaining there safety.
  • Maintain safety and quality standards of care while facilitating early discharge of mother and baby.
  • Maintain HIPPA and OSHA guidelines.
  • Receive and implementing Dr orders.
  • Train in lactation and NRP certify.
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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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Practical nurse vs registered nurse charge nurse skills

Common practical nurse skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • APN, 7%
  • Home Health, 6%
  • Acute Care, 5%
  • Physical Examinations, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
Common registered nurse charge nurse skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 8%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Acls, 4%
  • Direct Patient Care, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%

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