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Registered nurse charge nurse vs registered nurse in pacu

The differences between registered nurses charge nurses and registered nurse in pacus can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a registered nurse charge nurse and a registered nurse in pacu. Additionally, a registered nurse in pacu has an average salary of $83,154, 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 a registered nurse in pacu are patients, BLS, and acls.

Registered nurse charge nurse vs registered nurse in pacu overview

Registered Nurse Charge NurseRegistered Nurse In Pacu
Yearly salary$71,342$83,154
Hourly rate$34.30$39.98
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs645,134507,239
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

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 a registered nurse in pacu do?

A post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) registered nurse is primarily in charge of taking care of patients following a procedure or surgery as they recover from the effects of anesthesia. Their responsibilities revolve around observing a patient's vital signs and consciousness, identifying and monitoring the side-effects from the anesthetics, and keeping an eye on the patient's overall behavior. Furthermore, it is essential to assist patients and their families or guardian, responding to any inquiries and concerns and discussing post-surgery care procedures.

Registered nurse charge nurse vs registered nurse in pacu salary

Registered nurses charge nurses and registered nurse in pacus have different pay scales, as shown below.

Registered Nurse Charge NurseRegistered Nurse In Pacu
Average salary$71,342$83,154
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $110,000Between $49,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CitySan Diego, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateHawaiiRhode Island
Best paying companyAlameda Health SystemDignity Health
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between registered nurse charge nurse and registered nurse in pacu education

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

Registered Nurse Charge NurseRegistered Nurse In Pacu
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Registered nurse charge nurse vs registered nurse in pacu demographics

Here are the differences between registered nurses charge nurses' and registered nurse in pacus' demographics:

Registered Nurse Charge NurseRegistered Nurse In Pacu
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 12.1% Female, 87.9%Male, 10.8% Female, 89.2%
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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between registered nurse charge nurse and registered nurse in pacu 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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Registered nurse in pacu example responsibilities.

  • Achieve departmental goals and objectives by instituting SGNA standards and processes for inpatient and outpatient care.
  • Stay current on ACLS, BLS and CPR while working in the critical care areas of the hospital.
  • general surgery, ent, orthopedics, endoscopy, cataract, gynocological, podiatry, or plastic surgeries.
  • Re-Cover patients according to policy in PACU.
  • Provide BLS and ACLS classes monthly and as needed.
  • Monitor patients post anesthesia including EKG monitoring, magnesium drips, watching VSS and closely monitor acute situations and conditions.
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Registered nurse charge nurse vs registered nurse in pacu skills

Common registered nurse charge nurse skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 8%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Acls, 4%
  • Direct Patient Care, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%
Common registered nurse in pacu skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • BLS, 13%
  • Acls, 9%
  • Acute Care, 5%
  • Critical Care, 3%
  • Advanced Life Support, 3%

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