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Progressive care nurse vs intensive care unit nurse

The differences between progressive care nurses and intensive care unit nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an intensive care unit nurse has an average salary of $79,483, which is higher than the $71,768 average annual salary of a progressive care nurse.

The top three skills for a progressive care nurse include patients, BLS and progressive care. The most important skills for an intensive care unit nurse are patients, BLS, and acls.

Progressive care nurse vs intensive care unit nurse overview

Progressive Care NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Yearly salary$71,768$79,483
Hourly rate$34.50$38.21
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs654,051611,699
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4444
Years of experience2-

What does a progressive care nurse do?

Progressive care nurses are nursing professionals who are responsible for monitoring the condition of patients that are admitted to the hospital's progressive care unit (PCU). These nurses are required to observe the acutely ill patients for critical vital signs and detect any changes while initiating life-saving interventions when needed. They must interpret measurements from specialized medical equipment while performing diagnostic assessments on the changes in the measurements. Progressive care nurses must also update patient files and report any deteriorating conditions to healthcare specialists.

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.

Progressive care nurse vs intensive care unit nurse salary

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

Progressive Care NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Average salary$71,768$79,483
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $113,000Between $48,000 And $131,000
Highest paying CityRedding, CASanta Clara, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNevada
Best paying companyAccentCareDignity Health
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between progressive care nurse and intensive care unit nurse education

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

Progressive Care NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Progressive care nurse vs intensive care unit nurse demographics

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

Progressive Care NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 13.2% Female, 86.8%Male, 18.2% Female, 81.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage9%9%

Differences between progressive care nurse and intensive care unit nurse duties and responsibilities

Progressive care nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate patients' rehabilitation goals to facilitate patient satisfaction.
  • Utilize EMR for charting, medication ordering, and referrals
  • Stage, measure, photograph wounds and document in EMR system.
  • Used strict aseptic technique during the dialysis procedure and when caring for the peritoneal catheter.
  • Set up and operate equipment as needed: EKG, cardiac monitors, suction and respiratory equipment.
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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

Progressive care nurse vs intensive care unit nurse skills

Common progressive care nurse skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • BLS, 14%
  • Progressive Care, 8%
  • Acute Care, 6%
  • Acls, 6%
  • Telemetry, 5%
Common intensive care unit nurse skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • BLS, 18%
  • Acls, 13%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 6%
  • Catheter, 5%
  • Compassion, 5%

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