RN Staff

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive, patient‑centered care to individuals with acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as well as high‑acuity stepdown patients requiring close monitoring. This role combines neuro-specific care with progressive care (PCU/stepdown) responsibilities, ensuring safe management of patients transitioning from ICU or requiring higher‑level monitoring than med‑surg.

Key Responsibilities

1. Neurological / Stroke Care

• Perform detailed neurological assessments (e.g., NIH Stroke Scale) and monitor changes in status
• Implement stroke protocols, including post‑tPA monitoring and time‑sensitive interventions
• Identify early signs of stroke progression, complications, or recurrence
• Coordinate care across the stroke continuum (acute care → rehab → discharge)

2. Stepdown / Progressive Care Management

• Care for high‑acuity patients transitioning from ICU or requiring close monitoring
• Monitor cardiac rhythms via telemetry and interpret EKG changes
• Titrate IV drips (e.g., insulin, heparin, vasoactive meds per policy)
• Perform frequent reassessments and recognize early deterioration
• Manage oxygen therapy, respiratory support (e.g., BiPAP), and complex comorbidities

3. General Nursing Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and ongoing reassessments
• Administer medications, treatments, and interventions per physician orders
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the EMR
• Respond to medical emergencies and initiate appropriate interventions
• Assist with patient mobility, safety, and fall prevention

4. Care Coordination & Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, neurologists, therapists, and interdisciplinary team
• Participate in care planning, rounding, and discharge coordination
• Ensure smooth transitions between ICU, stroke unit, and lower levels of care

5. Patient & Family Education

• Educate patients and families on stroke recovery, risk factor modification, and prevention
• Provide discharge teaching, including medications and follow‑up care
• Reinforce recognition of stroke warning signs (FAST, etc.)

6. Equipment & Clinical Skills

• Manage IV pumps, feeding tubes, and other advanced equipment
• Perform neuro checks and vital sign trending
• Interpret clinical data and adjust care plans accordingly

Patient Population

May include:

• Acute CVA/TIA patients (ischemic & hemorrhagic)
• Post‑tPA or thrombectomy patients
• Neuro stepdown (post‑procedure, seizures, neuro changes)
• Stepdown overflow: respiratory failure, sepsis, DKA, cardiac arrhythmias, renal failure

Preferred Skills

• Strong critical thinking and rapid clinical judgment
• Ability to manage multiple high‑acuity patients simultaneously
• Knowledge of neuro assessments and hemodynamics
• Effective communication and teamwork

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing
• ACLS is required but can be obtained through our Training and Development Center
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Experience in telemetry, med‑surg, or critical care environments preferred but not required

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefit package
• Structured 14-week orientation program for new graduates and those new to critical care practice
• Nurse Residency Program to help guide new nurses through the transition into practice, ensuring you feel confident and supported during your first year as an RN
• Tuition reimbursement
• Supportive work environment focused on complex, patient-centered care
• Cross train to ICU

What Makes This Role Unique

• Hybrid unit = stroke + stepdown acuity, so you're balancing:
  • Neuro-focused care (stroke protocols, rehab mindset)
  • PCU-level care (telemetry, drips, rapid decline risk)
• Requires ICU-level thinking without full ICU resources, so prioritization and early escalation are critical