Advice sought for Neuro ICU

[sunnydaydream]

Hi everyone,

I am heading into my second year of my ASN program with an expected graduation of Dec. 2007. I have been interested in the neuro aspect of nursing for sometime, especially in regards to brain tumors. What I am hoping for is advice for getting into a neuro unit as a new nurse... is this possible? Also, is there a place around Indiana/Ohio area that has a good neuro unit that would be good to observe on?

Thanks in advance and Happy Nurse's Week!! :balloons:

[neuronightnurse]

Even if you don't get into a neuro icu right away, try a hospital with a neurosurgery floor. I promise you will not be bored and it is a good place to get comfortable with the subtleties you will see in patients with neuro deficits, whether it be from a tumor, hematoma, stroke, etc. You will also get more familiar most of the commonly prescribed meds, probably care for patients with lumbar drains (depending on your hospital's policies), care for seizing patients, neurostorming patients, stable post-op craniotomies, cervical fusions, laminectomies, etc. Also, depending on your floor, you may also take care of stroke patients and learn telemetry. All of this will prepare you well when it's time move up to the critical care level.

Neuro trauma and many other acute neurological conditions requiring admissions tend to absolutely terrify the patient's families (even more than other critical care units) and if you have a little more experience with this type of patient, you will be much better at helping families cope.

I notice you are a CNA. Do you work in neuro already? If so, you may have some familiarity with some of this already. It shouldn't be very difficult to find a position on a neurosurg. floor because, for whatever reason, many nurses find neuro to "scary" so, at least in my area, there are usually openings.

Good luck!

[gasmaster]

Hi everyone,

I am heading into my second year of my ASN program with an expected graduation of Dec. 2007. I have been interested in the neuro aspect of nursing for sometime, especially in regards to brain tumors. What I am hoping for is advice for getting into a neuro unit as a new nurse... is this possible? Also, is there a place around Indiana/Ohio area that has a good neuro unit that would be good to observe on?

Thanks in advance and Happy Nurse's Week!! :balloons:

I don't know the area up there, but you should find out who has a NVICU and see if they have an internship available for new grads. You won't be sorry.

[mrsalby]

Hi,

I have accepted a new grad position in Neuro ICU and what helped me was it was the unit I did my senior year preceptor in. See if you can request a NSICU for your precept experience and you can make connections and show potential. Also, another alternative, if you don't make it into ICU try the Neuro sub acute or neuro floors.

Good luck

[GrnHonu99, RN]

University Hospital in Cincinnati has a neuro floor as well as good sam. You will lo ve neuro!