The Ins and Outs of Being a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse

Thinking about the next step in your career? The nursing profession is a robust field, with certifications running the gamut of clinical, managerial, and educational specialties. But which is the best choice for you? Here, we’ll take a deep dive into what it means to be a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN®).

Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse: What Does It Mean?

A CNRN is a licensed registered nurse with at least one year of additional expertise caring for patients who suffer from neurological problems caused by trauma, such as brain and spinal injuries, or by illnesses like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or meningitis. Neurological conditions may also be caused by birth defects, accidents, or strokes. The complexity of the nervous system and variety of patient illnesses and disorders make this specialty a challenging and rewarding one for nurses who choose to pursue this career path.

What Does a CNRN Do?

CNRNs possess the necessary skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with a diverse range of neurological issues. Due to the scope and breadth of neurological problems and their causes, CNRNs provide care to patients of all ages, from infant and pediatric patients to the elderly.

Demands of the job can include performing physical exams or neurological assessments, discussing patients’ symptoms and medical histories, and administering or managing medications. CNRNs may also interpret diagnostic tests, assist with surgical procedures and post-surgery care, help patients to live with their disabilities, and evaluate how well patients are responding to treatment.

CNRNs work in many types of medical facilities, from medical practices specializing in neuroscience to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes. Within the hospital setting, a CNRN may work in a specific unit, such as a brain injury or pediatric unit. CNRNs are also found in general neuroscience, rehabilitation and medical-surgical units, as well as in emergency or trauma departments.

What Type of Person Is a CNRN?

Neuroscience is a difficult-to-master specialty, due to the intricacy of the nervous system and the impact neurological disorders can have on other bodily systems. A strong interest in brain, spinal cord, and nerve function is important for those considering this specialty.

CNRNs work with patients who have serious and, often, long-term complications. Rehabilitation can be slow, and some patients with neurological disorders may act erratically. Patience and empathy are critical character traits of an effective CNRN. Strong communication skills are also useful, whether treating patients, working with their family members (who are also impacted by their loved one’s health issues), or collaborating with other healthcare providers. An interest in technology is also required, due to the high-tech nature of the equipment used in the care of neuro patients.

How Do I Become a CNRN?

To become a CNRN, nurses must successfully pass the CNRN exam developed by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN). To sit for the exam, which is offered three times per year, nurses must have a valid RN license and at least one year of full-time (2,080 hours) direct or indirect neuroscience nursing practice experience within the last three years. (Direct practice means involvement in the nursing care provided to individuals or groups where you have professional responsibility for patient outcomes, while indirect practice includes research, consulting, or supervising students or staff in a clinical environment.)

The certification is valid for five years. To renew the CNRN credential, nurses may retake the CNRN exam or earn continuing education (CE) credits.

Are You Preparing for the Exam?

Check out our CNRN review book featuring 450 practice questions and a thorough clinical review to help you make the grade!

Resources

• http://aann.org/about/about-american-association-neuroscience-nurses


• http://abnncertification.org/cnrn/about


• https://www.registerednursing.org/specialty/neuroscience-nurse/


• https://everynurse.org/careers/neuroscience-nurse/


• https://www.nursingworld.org/nurses-books/neuroscience-nursing-scope-and-standards-of-practice-3rd-edition/