Interested in neuro nursing

[AmandaBeaverhausen]

Hi everyone, I'm a CMA and in nursing school, trying to decide what I want to do. I already have a master's in social work, so many suggest the NP route. But I've grown to love working on the Alzheimer's unit at my LTC facility, as well as rehab (acute part of LTC). I also take care of a friend with a neurodegenerative disease, so I have quite a bit of experience with some neuro aspects.

I'm wondering what type of route to take to bevome a neuro nurse. Is the pay good? Do you enjoy your work in general? Is it tough to get a job in this department?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences.

[abbycdps]

Hi there! 
I graduated in 2019 and have been a RN on a 28 bed neurology/neurosurgery until for about 3 years now. I was a CNA for about 8 years before that in psych/med general/ICU. 
I absolutely love love love my job. While I think it is very emotionally taxing and difficult specialty, I also find it very rewarding. Many of your patients can not advocate for themselves d/t aphasia, neuro degenerative disorders etc. 

Being able to specialize has really given me confidence and I learn something new every day.

All the floors on my hospital pay the same, and typically it is not hard to get a job in general neuro because people view it as a difficulty specialty haha. But Neuro ICU spots can be competitive. 
I plan to stay in this specialty for atleast another 3-5 years. 
Hope this helps!