[nursing 101]

Just wanted to know are you limited in Neuro ICU? Do you have the same vent patients, drips and swans that you see in other areas? Just wanted to know which would you pick between SICU and Neuro ICU.
I am trying to make a decision. Also can you just take the CCRN instead of the CNRN if you are in neuro?
Any answers are welcome.

[RoxanRN2003]

Yes, we have vents and a variety of drips (3% and 5% hypertonic saline, nicardipine, levo, magnesium, propofol, precedex, fentanyl, versed, amicar, insulin), but we generally don't see swans (I think I've shot cardiac outputs twice in 3 YEARS). We have ventriculostomies whereas other areas don't (except maybe some in SICU - they generally do bolts). And we also get overflow from other units (generally MICU) and vice versa.

As far as the CCRN v. CNRN, while not required (at least where I work), I have obtained both in the last 18 months. Once you get them, they are relative easy to maintain. They may look good to potential employers.

Hope this helps.

[nursing 101]

Thanks,
For your reply... I'm still trying to make a decision. I had no idea that NICU had their own certification. I started reading about it and I am still trying to make a decision as to what to chose !