Interview on Neuro inpatient unit

Specialties Neurological

Published

Hello! I am a new grad BSN student interviewing for a 1 year residency position on a neuro inpatient unit. The description of the unit says that the patient population are stroke patients, brain injuries and neurological diseases. Can anyone give me some examples of what to expect as far as crucial nursing skills for this type of unit? It isn't a critical care unit but more of an intermediate care. Also, what do you like about this type of nursing? I really wasn't expecting to be offered an interview for this type of unit but would still like to interview to find out more about it. Thought I'd also ask you guys for your insight as well before I have my interview.

Thanks so much!!

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I would be interested in this as well. I am a new grad RN, just hired for a position on the neuro tele unit. I was told same as you...stroke pts, epilepsy, etc plus overflow. I, too, did not picture myself on a neuro unit but am getting very excited! I loved learning about neuro in school...in the books lol...but I'm nervous about my ability to actually care for this population. In the interview, they said fall risk is a huge issue on this unit, plus proper turning/ulcer prevention obviously. Also, proper assessment for any LOC changes is an important skill to have. GL!

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i just found the following reply from nrsang97 from another discussion which i found extremely helpful and you probably will too :)

"I worked inpatient neuro for a long time. Be prepared for patient's to make quick changes. Know about stroke patients, aneurysm patients, subdural hematomas, epidural hematomas, post op crani for tumor, post op crani for seizure focus, post op lumbar and cervical laminectomy, and seizure patients. Know that not all seizures are your tonic clonic seizures. Some patients can talk through their seizures if they are partial complex affecting only their arm for example. Some seizures look like the patient is staring off in space (absence seizure). Know what to do when a patient has a seizure. What med can stop them? Know you seizure meds, BP meds, you may see baclofen for MS patients. Know that Guillian Barre is ascending paralysis and Myasthenia Gravis is descending paralysis. Know about common testing for neuro patients such as MRI/ MRA/ MRV (what would be a contraindication? ex pacemaker.), CT, CTA (CT angiogram), Angiogram done in Interventional radiology, EEG, continuous EEG, EMG, myelogram.

Some of your patients may be total care due to neuro deficit. Some will require special diets to prevent aspiration, some will have peg tubes. Some patients will have PICC lines or ports. Know basics on how to care for them.

Know about sodium and brain swelling.

I hope I didn't overwhelm you. I worked neuro ICU for 6 years. I am not sure if you are doing placement in an ICU or just a regular floor."

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Thanks so much!!! Interview is tomorrow!

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So how did the interview go and did you get the job? If you have the job how do you like it?

Thanks so much!!! Interview is tomorrow!
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