NEW TO NEURO ICU

Published

Specializes in TELE. NEURO, ICU.

Hi,

I'm starting Neuro ICU tonight. 3 1/2 years of nurse experience, foundation in neuro, and mixture of med/surg and pcu. Any pointers? What should I focus on? I'm a little nervous. Ultimate goal is to become a CRNA.

Thanks:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sound like me. Came from a neuro (more spine) floor to a neuro ICU. Almost done with my first year and here are some points... EVDs, ICPs, bolts, a lines, central lines, mannitol, 3% na, neo, Levo, vaso, Q1 hr neuro checks, ABGs, triple H therapy, seizures, brain tumors SAH, nimbex, propofol, Ativan, fentanyl, vents etc...etc... Etc... Haha.

You will love it. I plan to do CRNA also.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in TELE. NEURO, ICU.

Awesome!!! How much experience do you have? Plan to have b4 applying? Did you take GRE?! I'm so excited:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One year on the spine floor. Started in October for the NSICU, I figure I'd like at least 2 years before I go back. There is so much to learn still (cvvh, swan) and I hear the more experience the better. It's so competitive, and nothing substitutes for experience. I'm going to try and take the GRE this summer because I hear they are changing it in august and it's good for five years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in TELE. NEURO, ICU.

O ok. Yea, same here. I want to take GRE next month. I hope 4 weeks is enough study time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Do a neuro assessment with the leaving nurse during change of shift. The assessment and the slight change neuro patients have is the most important in the neuro ICU IMO. Listen to your gut if you think your patient is different than before....and do your hourly neuro assessments! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neurosurgical/Trauma ICU, stroke, TBI,.

If you are interested in becoming a CRNA, I suggest also getting experience in MICU or CVICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in TELE. NEURO, ICU.

Are you a CRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neurosurgical/Trauma ICU, stroke, TBI,.

No. My husband is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and I have worked with many ICU nurse who have went on to CRNA school. I have considered CRNA, but fell in love with Neuro ICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in TELE. NEURO, ICU.

Oh ok. I asked a few programs and they said that Neuro ICU is acceptable. I plan to do CCRN as well. How much experience did the ICU nurses you know have?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neurosurgical/Trauma ICU, stroke, TBI,.

I am aware of RNs that only have NSICU experience who have applied for CRNA programs. I only know one person that was accepted and it was for a program that just started. IMO --one year of NSICU experience would not make me feel comfortable enough administering anesthesia to clinically complicated patients.

Most of my peers that attended CRNA school have at least 5+years of ICU experience; primarily SICU, CVICU, and MICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in TELE. NEURO, ICU.

Ok. I hear a few different things. Thanks for the feedback:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion