Nurse – Stroke

Overview

This position provides professional nursing care to patients in accordance with the nursing process and established standards of practice. The role is responsible for responding to emergency department (ED) and inpatient stroke alerts at the downtown campus, excluding the Transitional Care Unit (TCU).

The nurse collaborates with interdisciplinary neurology teams during stroke alerts, thrombolytic administration, and the evaluation of candidates for interventional radiology procedures. Responsibilities also include compiling and reviewing stroke patient outcome data, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement, and communicating recommendations to nursing units to enhance nursing documentation and the quality of patient care.

The nurse must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training necessary to support stroke certification standards. Additionally, the role includes identifying and addressing educational gaps for patients with ischemic and/or hemorrhagic strokes prior to discharge. This includes proactive patient rounding to assess learning needs, reinforce stroke education, and support safe transitions of care.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing.

• New hires effective June 14, 2017, must obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing within three (3) years of hire or transfer into the position.

• Employees hired or transferred into the position between August 1, 2013, and June 13, 2017, must adhere to the conditions outlined in their offer letter and the job description signed at the time of hire or transfer.

• Employees hired or transferred into the position prior to August 1, 2013, will be grandfathered.

Preferred Education

- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Required Licensure and Certifications

• Active license to practice nursing in the State of Florida.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.

• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification within six (6) months of hire or transfer into the position.

Preferred Licensure and Certifications

- Professional nursing certification preferred.

Required Experience

- One (1) to two (2) years of registered nursing experience in the Emergency Department (ED), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or neurology.

Necessary Skills and Competencies

1. Adheres to hospital policies, procedures, and Florida Nurse Practice Act guidelines when providing patient care.

2. Demonstrates proficiency in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) guidelines.

3. Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.

4. Demonstrates the ability to learn and apply computer technologies and procedures that support patient care delivery.

5. Promotes quality of care and patient safety through effective interactions with patients of all ages who have experienced a stroke.