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Neuroscience refers to the study of the brain and the nervous system. Research in this area has help to identify new ways of relieving neurological symptoms and curing illnesses that were once considered fatal. Neurological nursing is a nursing specialty that deals with assessment, nursing diagnosis, and management of neurological disorders and complexities like trauma, brain injuries, stroke, seizures, tumors, headaches, infections, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and aneurysms.
Neurology Nurse Practitioner Job Description
A
neurology nurse is a specialized
registered nurse (RN). This type of nurse is involved in the provision of medical care to patients by evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients with neurological problems, will work in collaboration with physicians. Job responsibilities may include:
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Recording patients vital signs and medical information in order to come up with an appropriate treatment plan
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Observing and reporting patients medical condition
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Providing counseling to patients and their families and improving their awareness of health issues
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Performing specific lab tests, monitoring neurological examination, and medical screening procedures
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Interpreting laboratory data accurately
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Following up on patient's medical condition and diagnostic test results, and report the required information to the physician
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Providing specialized pre and post-operative care to patients
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Conducting relevant research
Steps to Becoming Online Nurse Practitioner
An initial step to becoming a neurological nurse is enrolling in a nursing program that will help you become a RN. Students may enroll in diploma programs, Associate's Degree in Nursing programs, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs to help them with this step. The next step will require you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. After passing the exam and getting licensed to practice as a RN, nurses may start working in neurology to gain experience and then get certification. Another path is nurses with a BSN may apply to a Master of Science in Nursing
(MSN) program and specialize in neurology.
Neuroscience is an ever evolving field. Many neurology nurses take continuing education courses in order to remain well informed and keep their knowledge in the field current. These programs are not just offered in conventional classroom settings, but may also be taken as distance-learning courses. Online education helps provide you with an opportunity to keep your job and complete a nursing program on a schedule that is convenient for you. Getting certified is also a good way of showing your commitment to the field, and there is a chance it could enhance your employment prospects. The American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) is an independent organization that is responsible for administering a certification program for professional neurology nurses.
The two main types of certifications include Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) and Stroke Certified Registered Nruse (SCRN). You will have to pass an exam in order to get the certificate. Before you are able to take the exam, you may be required to have some years of work experience in either direct or indirect neuroscience nursing practice. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2012 RNs earned a median annual salary of $65,470. Also, the BLS has projected an employment growth rate of 19% between 2010 and 2020. Neurology nurses may find employment in healthcare clinics, neurological departments in hospitals, neurological wings in trauma centers, and intensive rehabilitation units.