New grad seeking advice

[Daddie O, BSN, RN]

Hi everybody! I recently graduated nursing school with honors while earning my BSN. I was actively involved in student government, and continue to volunteer. Since graduating I've earned my ACLS, PALS, and NIHSS certifications. I went on my first job interview and was offered the position within the hour! I will be working on a Neuro Tele unit at a Joint Commission certified Primary Stroke Center. I am really excited! There is so much for me to learn!

I start orientation in less than a month, and I am seeking advice as to what I can do to prepare for the challenge of working on a busy Neuro Tele unit? I know there will be a steep learning curve, and this position is going to be challenging. Are there any resources such as apps or reading materials you would recommend?

As long as the culture on the unit is one where I will supported when asking questions and seeking help as I work towards independence I think I'll be fine. I will be working the night shift (three 12's), and so I am also looking for advice on how best to transition to working that schedule.

Thanks in advance for any helpful tips or advice!

[Nalacooper]

Hi, it's been awhile since I was in my position as a Clinical Coordinator in Neuro. In our facility, we had a 4 week general orientation and then an additional 4 weeks of Neuro Internship which included a series of subjects (Neuro Program) taught by myself and my Director. A few materials we included (at a discount cause we bought in bulk) were Clinical Neuroanatomy made ridiculously simple by Stephen Goldberg, MD, Clinical Pocket Manual, Neurological Care (Springhouse Corporation), Neurology pocket card Set Lam Crds Edition (not the same but a newer version),The Clinical Practice of Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing, Joanne V. Hickey (I bought the hardback) on my own. Some of these or others you can search for or find out once you start at the facility (asking RN's already employed in the unit) can give you a roadmap to find out the basics first and then the more intensive information necessary to be able to provide the best assessments, care and understanding of the many aspects of the specialty. Hope this information is a bit helpful. Of course our unit was a Neurology/Neurosurgical Unit with a 4 bed NICU so more patients with other Neuro conditions other than Stroke were cared for. We also required a Basic Telemetry Course through our Education Department, then an Advanced Course and ACLS.