Neuroscience Nursing: It’s Never The Same

 

Every day when they come to work, neuroscience nurses face something many different challenges. However, it’s the challenge of making a difference in someone’s life that motivates Sam Wilson, R.N.

“If you’re in it for the money, you are in it for the wrong reason,” said Wilson, a neuroscience nurse at
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur. “Although I make a comfortable living and can support my family, it is not the monetary reward that makes my job worthwhile. It is knowing that I can make a difference in my patients ’ outcome s on a daily basis that gives me satisfaction.”

Wilson began working as a neuroscience nurse five years ago.

“Neuro just struck my chord,” he said. “I thought that it was interesting and fast paced, and I’ll stay here until the end.”

Neuroscience nursing is a different kind of nursing.

“It isn’t an easy job, but it is a rewarding job,” said Phyllis James, R.N., BSN, a neuroscience nurse at
St. John’s Mercy.

Neuroscience nurses treat patients who have experienced trauma, a spinal cord or head injury or have suffered a stroke. The nurse’s goal is to return the patient to being a productive citizen while helping the patient and his or her family adjust to the difficulties associated with the recent trauma.

James’ career has adapted to her changing life. She began working as a full-time nurse six years ago. After starting a family, she began working part-time and now takes advantage of the weekends only scheduling option. James enjoys having so much flexibility with her job.

Being a neuroscience nurse offers several rewards. Wilson said he likes that his job is always different, and James agreed.

“If someone likes a routine and for things to always be predictable, they probably won’t like neuro nursing,” James said.

Although James and Wilson both said neuroscience nursing takes a lot out of a person, it also replenishes a person just as fast.

“When I see a patient walking down the hallway and remember that just a short time ago doctors had given up hope for the patient to be a productive member of society, I get a charge that keeps me going until the next miracle,” Wilson said.

A good neuroscience nursing candidate must have a good background in neurology and be prepared to learn from team members as well as being willing strong assessment and excellent communicatio n skills to participate in a 16-hour training program. Individuals must have a particular interest in severe disabilities and be able to work in a fast-paced environment that significantly changes from day to day and hour to hour. Neuroscience nurses must trust their instincts and monitor patients closely.

Certification exams for neuroscience nurses are offered twice a year by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing. This is the only nationally recognized accrediting body for specialty nursing certification programs.

 The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) offers a Certification in Neuroscience nursing. Although it is not required, this certification usually helps a person gain more knowledge, as well as move up the career ladder.

Wilson said individuals who care about people, like variety and can adapt to changing people, different problems and various outcomes should try neuroscience nursing. It’s a job that allows a nurse to fine-tune his or her skills, challenges the mind and leaves one feeling fulfilled.

It’s a job that teaches me something new every day, and I like that,” James said.

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