rwall

No, they can't. But do they use Registry? I know it's "expensive", but sometimes they will come in. Plus, nothing beats a helpful working manager!

In a way, you do have ICU experience just by working in ER and knowing what needs to be done in an urgent/critical situation. In California, Title 22 states that in CCU or ICU, staffing is 2:1 or better. If there are 2 ICU patients in ER holding, the Management should get staff in (or Registry), especially if this will go on to the next shift.

If you mean which side is affected, you can have weakness on the same side as the bleed if there is herniation going down into the base of the skull (foramen magnum?). I had this explained to me by a neurologist. And for the most part, don't hesitate to ask them. They're usually pretty good about it.