I just received role transition on neuro floor, how do i prepare?

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2013

I worked inpatient neruo for a long time. Be prepared for patient's to make quick changes. Know about stroke pateints, aneurysm patients, subdural hematomas, epidural heamtomas, post op crani for tumor, post op crani for seizure focus, post op lumbar and cervical laminectomy, and seizure patients. Know that not all seizures aren't your tonic clonic seizures. Some patient's can talk through their seizures if they are partial complex affecting only their arm for example. Some seizures look like the patient is staring off in space (abscence seizure). Know what to do when a pateint has a seizure. What med can stop them? Know you seizure meds, BP meds, you may see baclofen for MS patients. Know that Guillian Barre is ascending paralysis and Mysthenia Gravis is descending paralysis. Know about common testing for neuro patients such as MRI/ MRA/ MRV (what would be a contraindication? ex pacemaker.), CT, CTA (CT angiogram), Angiogram done in Interventional radiology, EEG, contiunous EEG, EMG, myelogram.

Some of your patients may be total care due to neuro deicict. Some will require special diets to prevent aspiration, some will have peg tubes. Some patients will have PICC lines or ports. Know basics on how to care for them.

Know about sodium and brain swelling.

I hope I didn't overwhelm you. I worked neuro ICU for 6 years. I am not sure if you are doing placement in an ICU or just a regular floor.

pcaugur · Jul 6, 2013

It seems like I will be learning a lot during this clinical! Thank you so much for your guidance!

rnmomx3 · Sep 11, 2013

GREAT info, thank you so much for posting! I start my new position on the neuro unit in 2 weeks...i will definitely be pulling all my neuro material from school to review beforehand. Thanks again!