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Registered nurse charge nurse vs intensive care unit nurse

The differences between registered nurses charge 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 $71,342 average annual salary of a registered nurse charge nurse.

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

Registered nurse charge nurse vs intensive care unit nurse overview

Registered Nurse Charge NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Yearly salary$71,342$79,483
Hourly rate$34.30$38.21
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs645,134611,699
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4444
Years of experience2-

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.

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.

Registered nurse charge nurse vs intensive care unit nurse salary

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

Registered Nurse Charge NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Average salary$71,342$79,483
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $110,000Between $48,000 And $131,000
Highest paying CitySan Diego, CASanta Clara, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiNevada
Best paying companyAlameda Health SystemDignity Health
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between registered nurse charge nurse and intensive care unit nurse education

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

Registered Nurse Charge NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Registered nurse charge nurse vs intensive care unit nurse demographics

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

Registered Nurse Charge NurseIntensive Care Unit Nurse
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 12.1% Female, 87.9%Male, 18.2% Female, 81.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.7% 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 registered nurse charge nurse and intensive care unit nurse duties and responsibilities

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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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.
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Registered nurse charge nurse vs intensive care unit nurse skills

Common registered nurse charge nurse skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 8%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Acls, 4%
  • Direct Patient Care, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%
Common intensive care unit nurse skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • BLS, 18%
  • Acls, 13%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 6%
  • Catheter, 5%
  • Compassion, 5%

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