Neurological conditions are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Neurology and neuroscience nurses care for patients with stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumours and head injuries, from acute wards to long-term specialist clinics.
Imagine doing hourly neuro observations on a patient after a head injury. At 3am, you notice his pupil is slightly larger on one side and he’s harder to wake. You escalate immediately. He goes to theatre for a bleed, and survives because you noticed.
Where neurology nurses work
- Stroke units and hyperacute stroke services
- Neurosurgical and neuro-intensive care units
- Rehabilitation units
- Specialist clinics for epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s and headache
Key skills
- Neurological observations, including the Glasgow Coma Scale and pupil checks
- Recognising stroke and raised intracranial pressure
- Swallow screening and preventing aspiration
- Seizure management
- Supporting patients and families through long-term change
But what specialist roles are there?
Many neurology nurses go on to become specialist nurses in epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s or stroke, running nurse-led clinics and helpline services. In the US, the CNRN and SCRN certifications recognise neuroscience and stroke expertise.
Your next step: Make sure you’re fully confident with the Glasgow Coma Scale. Ask a senior nurse to watch you do a full set of neuro observations on your next shift.
Sources: World Health Organization (Neurological disorders), American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, British Association of Neuroscience Nurses, World Stroke Organization. This article is for general information.
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