For registered nurses who are interested in working with patients recovering from or experiencing neurological diseases, conditions or injuries – opportunities are available through a career as a neuroscience nurse. Neuroscience nursing offers a specialization in registered nursing beyond basic nursing duties. Continue reading to learn more about a neuroscience nurses.
What is a Neuroscience Nurse?
A neurology registered nurse, or neuroscience nurse, is a specialty care registered nurse who cares for patients who have experienced illness or injury to the nervous system. Neurology nursing is a specific specialization of practice that requires registered nurses to be well-versed in the body’s neurology, including the brain and spine. These specialty nurses help care for various neurological disorders, illnesses, and injuries, such as stroke, Parkinson, and traumatic brain injuries.
What does a Neurology Registered Nurse do?
Neuroscience nurses care for patients who have experienced illness, injury, or physical disorder in the nervous system. With over 400 currently known neurological conditions, neurology nurses must understand the different effects these illnesses and injuries have on the nervous system and how the nervous system functions and interacts with the body. Here are just some of the responsibilities neurology registered nurses perform in their jobs:
- Performing neurological assessments
- Assisting patients in understanding their conditions or injuries
- Answering patient questions about their conditions or injuries
- Guiding patients through physical rehabilitation
- Treating patient’s injuries through wound care procedures
- Preparing patients for neurological assessments or tests
- Work with physicians and doctors to facilitate patient care.
- Provide strong communication to patients and families throughout the care process.
Where do Neuroscience Nurses Work?
Neuroscience nurses are often found in healthcare settings specializing in neurology care, including neurological diagnostic centers, imaging centers, and rehabilitation centers for neurological-related disorders. This includes anywhere from specialty care facilities to large hospitals and research institutions. Here are some common healthcare settings:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient facilities
- Specialty clinics and physicians’ offices
- Rehabilitation centers
- Specialty elder care facilities
How to Become a Neurology Registered Nurse
Becoming a neuroscience nurse requires post-secondary education, experience, and in some cases, certification through the American Board of Neuroscience Nurses. Nurses with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can enter the specialty. However, those with a BSN degree open the door to future positions in leadership, clinical educator opportunities, and graduate program opportunities. After graduation and certification through the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), nurses can enter the field by gaining relevant experience, pursuing rotations or placement within neurology care, or through a neuroscience nursing certificate helps candidates stand out among potential candidates.
Neuroscience Nurse Career Outlook
Careers in nursing are expected to increase over the next ten years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nursing jobs are projected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031, adding an estimated 195,400 jobs to an existing 3.1 million strong workforce.
Pay for neuroscience nurses can vary depending on the state, employer, and educational background. While the average salary for neuroscience nurses is $73,681 per year, wages can climb as high as $90,000 – with California being home to the top 10 highest-paid cities for the profession.
A career as a neuroscience nurse can provide enhanced specialties for those interested in pursuing a career in nursing specific to the neurological systems and treating patients who suffer from illnesses, conditions, or injuries impacting the neurological system. Start working toward a career as a neurology nurse today by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
