Info on Neuro ICU

[LVRN91, BSN]

Background on me I’m a nurse with 3 years experience all in Pediatrics and Pediatric Oncology. I’m moving out of state and unfortunately can’t find a pediatric job. But I did get a job on a Neuro ICU floor. I’m just looking for some advice on what to expect/what it’s like or stuff to study up on since this is gonna be an all new world coming from pediatrics haha. Thank you!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Do your NIH stroke scale training, you will have to know that well. I am pretty sure it's still free training online. What will your acuity be like? Have you ever had to manage ICP monitors or EVDs?

[LovingLife123]

Lots of post TPA patients. You will be required to be stroke certified with the NIH stroke scale. If the faculty does thrombectomies, lots of groin and neurovascular assessments. Aneurysms and spasm watches. Brain bleeds. EVDs and ICP monitoring. Tumor resections.

Is it just a Neuro icu? How many beds? Do you know what level of stroke care they are?

You will deal with a lot a crazy with Neuro patients, and a lot of sadness. Be prepared for that up front and how to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.

I love EVDs and ICP monitoring. I’m a numbers girl though.

[ICU-BSN]

Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. These may have been treated with TPA or IR procedures. Coilings for AVMs. Tumor resections. Occasional back/spinal surgeries. EVDs, bolts, lumbar drains. Possibly TBI patients depending on the facility. You will spend a LOT of time in CT. And probably a good bit in MRI as well. You may use hypertonic solutions, cooling therapies, you will see vented patients, cardene drips/Levo for tight BP control.

A good neuro assessment will be key. I feel like you think you do a solid neuro assessment...until you work in some type of neuro unit and realize, wow, I’ve never done a good neuro assessment in my life, lol.

Theres plenty more but those are my quick thoughts for you.