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.

CNA's, MST's who are experienced are a valuable member of the team. Inexperienced ones are many times sponges waiting to absorb! On my unit, they were sometimes the ones to notice the subtle changes my RN's missed! The key to a great working relationship is respect, collaboration and teamwork! Provide opportunities to teach when available and be open to suggestions any member makes! I started out as a Nurses Aid before certification was required, was working while also in school. The RN's who saw me as an asset were the RN's who motivated me the most! Lack of respect, power plays and pushing the hierarchy envelope can cost a RN a reputation that's hard to lose. As the manager of my two units later in my career, some of my MST's were at times the ones who "sounded the alarm" to me when they reported something to their RN who ignored them! There are good and bad in all areas of practice! A well-oiled machine is one where each knows their duties, works independent when needed or together as necessary! The ultimate goal is a positive outcome for all including the patient at the center of the team!