The nervous system is one of the most complex, but extremely important, systems in the human body. It plays a vital role in multiple functions of the body including sensations, movements, thoughts, cognitive reasoning, breathing, and more.
For example, the Cleveland Clinic identifies the nervous system as “the body’s command center.”
If damage, injury, or illness occurs to a certain part of the nervous system, severe consequences ranging in severity from psychosis, paralysis, and even death can result.
A neuro nurse assists patients who have experienced neurological problems such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, seizure activity, strokes, and more.
It is important to note that a neuro nurse should have a thorough understanding of the complexity of the nervous system and how each part can affect certain functions of the rest of the body.
Neuro nurses play a key role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients dealing with various neurological issues. These issues are often present with the patient during certain types of diagnostic tests such as CT scans or MRIs.
Precise assessments and subtle changes noted in neurological assessments are imperative for neuro nurses to provide proper treatment in a timely manner.
In my experience, the majority of patients my team has cared for consists of individuals with head trauma and injuries due to
One of the greatest challenges that neuro nurses encounter is working with patients who are either fully unresponsive, comatose, or semi-unresponsive.
These factors can be challenging for a nurse who desires to engage fully with patients and to be able to communicate effectively since more often than not, communication can be extremely limited based on neurological status.
However, it is important to note that a patient’s initial presentation and neurological state can change immensely for the better or worse over the course of treatment and length of stay.
When these events take place and progression is noted, the nurse can truly sense a feeling of accomplishment and contribution to the progression noted.
When regression takes place, as it does many times, the nurse can still serve as an integral part of the patient’s care by providing comfort and decreasing pain levels as much as possible, and by also serving as a continuous outlet of support for the patient’s family.
Neuro nurses typically have two work options available in a hospital setting: a neuro progressive step-down unit or a neuro-intensive care unit.
A progressive step-down unit typically performs daily neurological assessments every four hours and manages the care of neurological patients that are more stable; whereas a neuro-intensive care unit cares for critical patients.
This can depend on patient acuity and increased neurological assessments of course, but, a neuro nurse in a step-down unit can typically care for 4-5 patients at a time.
However, if care is being administered in a neuro-intensive care unit, the neuro nurse typically has fewer patients.
It is important to keep in mind that patients can also be cared for in various settings outside of a hospital, such as rehabilitation centers, elder centers, outpatient facilities, and home care.
Additionally, patients with neurological disorders can also be treated in a specialty outpatient office that focuses on neuroscience, other outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, elder care facilities, and home care agencies.
It is common to see patients with neurological disorders ending up with some form or type of disability due to the severity of the initial neurological issue.
Based on the type of disability, the patient may need lifelong treatment or assistance in the home setting or at a facility that cares for these types of individuals.
Many of the skills needed and required to be a neuro nurse are the same as any other area of nursing. Here are just a few from Nursing Center:
Of course, there are other skills that are specific to neuro nursing.
For example, attention to detail is vital in this role as a nurse must be able to identify any changes in neurological status.
Patients with neurological disorders can go from stable to worse in a matter of seconds, so it is imperative that neuro nurses stay on their toes to catch these changes quickly.
An ability to read body language and other forms of non-verbal communication are essential in this role. If a patient’s communication is impaired, it might be challenging for the nurse to determine their pain levels.
Eye blinking, squeezing of the hands, facial grimacing, and noting different body movements or vital signs are all ways a neuro nurse can evaluate a patient’s pain.
Of course, a nurse in this field must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the NCLEX-RN examination prior to joining a neuro nursing team.
After a year or two of clinical experience, an agency or facility will recommend a nurse to pursue a Certified Neurological Registered Nurse (CNRN) Certification. With this advancement, a board exam is administered and must be passed in order to receive these credentials.
Neuro nursing can be challenging at times, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
When a patient progresses and makes improvements, it is not only celebrated by the family, but the neuro nurse and their team.
There is no greater substitute that can replace the keen observational skills, caring attitudes, intellect, and holistic approach to care that neuro nurses possess.
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