Neuro vs Stroke Unit ?

[mhy12784]

Hello, I have been told by a nurse manager that I may have a choice between a neuro unit, and a stroke unit (not certain to get the job, but a good chance)

They are both in the same hospital and run by the same manager so im not sure if I should expect glaring differences between the two units.

I was hoping someone could help me understand the benefits of choosing either floor as my first nursing job.

The only big difference i know is that the stroke unit is usually 3:1 and Neuro is 5/6:1

thanks !

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

In terms of patient population, stroke unit patients are much more likely to be geriatric, with multi-system problems. With that small ratio, the unit is probably a step-down with very few ambulatory patients. OTOH, the 'neuro' unit would probably have trauma as well as medical patients; younger and more ambulatory population.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I think you will learn a lot more on a neuro floor. My hospital has a stroke floor and that is ALL that is on that floor, except in the event of bed crises. We're a distinguished stroke center and I appreciate that, but the nurses there don't really know much else if they've only worked there.