Neuro or Observation Unit - New Grad

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 18, 2015

I am biased. I LOVE Neuro... began my career as a new grad in NeuroTrauma ICU. I love the 'exactness' of neuro; it's so logical. Direct connections between damage/harm and subsequent deficits. I also really liked the patient population. It was primarily 18-35 year old males that tend to adhere to the "hey Ya'll, watch this" type of reasoning after consuming adult beverages. Spinal injuries are so complex and challenging. Frontal Lobe damage can result in some real hair-raising behaviors. Overall, I really liked the camaraderie between docs, nurses, and therapists - lots of teamwork and collaboration.

jead1 · Sep 18, 2015

I am a newly graduated RN and have been lucky enough to have 2 jobs offers. 1 is for Neuro Science unit and the other is the Observation unit. Anyone have any advice for me for which one to accept, especially for a new gradutate?

Hello! Maybe you can answer my question! I am a senior in nursing school and I have no idea what my "niche" is. I don't know what specialty I want to do. My question is, is neuro a good floor for a new grad to work on? Is it extremely stressful? What type of patients are on the floor? For the neuro nurses, what's your typical day? I know every nursing job is extremely stressful so that's probably not a good question so I guess I should ask is it more stressful than others?

MissyNik · Sep 24, 2015

I recently got hired for a Neuroscience unit and Im so excited!! You make it sound so interesting lolol thanks for the reply.

QUOTE=HouTx;8694607]I am biased. I LOVE Neuro... began my career as a new grad in NeuroTrauma ICU. I love the 'exactness' of neuro; it's so logical. Direct connections between damage/harm and subsequent deficits. I also really liked the patient population. It was primarily 18-35 year old males that tend to adhere to the "hey Ya'll, watch this" type of reasoning after consuming adult beverages. Spinal injuries are so complex and challenging. Frontal Lobe damage can result in some real hair-raising behaviors. Overall, I really liked the camaraderie between docs, nurses, and therapists - lots of teamwork and collaboration.

Graduatenurse14 · Sep 24, 2015

Congrats! I work on a Neuroscience unit. Some thinks to look up prior to starting so you can hit the ground running: Nursing neuro assessment, lumbar drain, Jackson Pratt and Hemovac Drains, common spinal and back surgeries and for what conditions, Hematomas and interventions, hydrocephalus and shunts.

Keep an extra pen light in your locker and be sure you know the day of the week and date before using it to assess the patient's orientation!

Good luck!!! PM me if you have any questions!!

makingroceries · Sep 25, 2015

Thank you for your advice! How do you like working in Neuro? I've heard a lot of negative things about it.