What is Neuroscience Nursing?
Neuroscience nursing is a specialization that focuses on caring for patients with brain and nervous system disorders. Some of these illnesses include Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, brain tumors, and strokes. According to Johnson & Johnson, some of the responsibilities these nurses are caring for post-operative patients, administering medications, monitoring neurological exams, and helping patients who have neurological issues to perform daily tasks. These patients may be confused or frustrated due to their conditions, so neuroscience nurses must be skilled in handling these situations with care and respect.
What is the Typical Work Environment of a Neuroscience Nurse?
Neuroscience nurses are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals and physicians’ offices. These individuals might also find jobs in research and rehabilitation settings.
What are the Education and Certification Requirements?
In order to become a neuroscience nurse, one must be a registered nurse. An individual can become an RN by completing a diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree program and passing the NCLEX-RN. After doing so, he or she is eligible to apply for licensure.
In addition to working in a neuroscience setting, one can obtain additional certification in neuroscience nursing through the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) http://www.abnncertification.org/. In order to be eligible for the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) examination, one must have at least 2 years or 4,160 hours of direct or indirect neuroscience nursing experience in the past 5 years. The ABNN also offers certification especially for stroke care.
What is the Average Salary of a Neuroscience Nurse?
According to a 2010 report by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses is$64,490. Salary information is subject to change, and depends on location, position, and the individual’s education and experience.
What is the Career Outlook?
Though the employment outlook for neuroscience nurses is unclear, the outlook for registered nurses is excellent. The BLS predicts 26% job growth for registered nursing between 2010 and 2020.
