Are you thinking of becoming a neuro ICU nurse but are confused about what they do? Neuro ICU nurses provide care to patients who are not your everyday patients but are on ventilators and often sedated. If you are a neuro ICU nurse, you have to be their eyes, ears and voice and look for small changes in their condition. These minor changes can be a signal to a big problem; therefore, neuro ICU nurses have to be alert all the time. In this blog, we will guide you on how to become a neuro ICU nurse, the requirements, skills needed, and responsibilities.
How to become a neuro ICU nurse?
To become an ICU nurse, first, you have to get your nursing degree and pass your NCLEX exam to get your nursing license. It is important to gain experience in the ICU or step-down unit before applying for neuro ICU nursing. Some of the optional certifications that can boost your knowledge and career in neuro ICU nursing are:
- CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification.
- Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) – for neuro-specific credentials.
What are the duties and responsibilities of neuro ICU nurses?
If you are a nurse and thinking of becoming a neuro ICU nurse, then you must be wondering what they do and what a typical day of a neuro ICU nurse looks like. Here we will list the roles and responsibilities of a neuro ICU nurse:
- Continuous and intensive monitoring of neuro ICU patients. These patients are on ventilators and often sedated; therefore, minor changes can be a sign of a big problem.
- Frequently conducting assessments such as pupil check, motor response, etc.
- Managing advanced medical equipment such as ventilators and life support systems.
- Administering medications, IVs, sedatives, etc.
- Educating the patient’s family about their conditions and advocating for the patient.
- Collaborating with other healthcare members, such as neurosurgeons, ICU teams, etc.
What skills are required to become a neuro ICU nurse?
- Attention to detail and looking for minor changes.
- Advanced clinical skills and managing sedated patients.
- Effective communication skills are necessary because they are used to communicate with both patients’ families and other healthcare providers.
- Emotional resilience.
- Organizational skills and time management skills.
- Critical thinking and decision-making skills.
What are the tips to thrive in neuro ICU nursing?
If you want to choose neuro ICU nursing as your career, then follow these tips:
- Master neuro assessments
- Understand neuro-pathophysiology.
- Be observant and look for minor changes in patient condition.
- Gain knowledge of technology and use advanced equipment.
- Communicate effectively.
- Stay organized and prioritize tasks.
- Continue education and keep learning.
What are the common neurological conditions in the neuro ICU?
Here is the list of common neurological conditions in the neuro ICU that is managed by neuro ICU nurses.
- Traumatic brain injury, which includes skull fractures, hemorrhage, etc.
- Intracerebral hemorrhage
- Ischemic stroke
- Spinal cord injury
- Central nervous system infections
What is the salary of a neuro ICU nurse?
The average salary of a neuro ICU nurse is $57/hour.
Conclusion
If you are passionate about being the voice of patients who can’t speak for themselves, then the neuro ICU is the best career option for you to choose. To become a neuro ICU nurse, you must have a nursing degree, a nursing license, and experience in an ICU or step-down unit. The duties and responsibilities of neuro ICU nursing involve taking care of patients who are on ventilators, checking their vitals, and looking for minor changes in their condition. ICU nurses should have quick decision-making skills, attention to detail, etc.
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