Epilepsy Nurse

[katzy]

Nakamova(a CWE member) recently told me about epilepsy nurses. I looked up online and couldn't find much info on it. So my question is if you guys know what credentials you need in order to work at an epilepsy center. I was on the New York University epilepsy center website, but all they had was a list of their MDs, nurse practitioners and a clinical nurse (who is a RN but has other certificates in neurology related issues). So a fresh out of nursing school RN can not work at an epilepsy center?

 

[Shelley]

I don't know.
Perhaps if you contact these centers and see if there are other qualifications.
Most want experience, I think, but more studies in your chosen specialty wouldn't hurt.

 

[Dutch mom]

The epilepsy nurse has a nursing background and is particularly focused on the medical aspects of epilepsy and provides:
• awareness about epilepsy and consequences of epilepsy
• support and guidance in dealing with attacks in daily life (family, school, work, sports), instructions on "first aid for seizures"
• monitor the continuity of care
• If necessary, refer to other disciplines

In the Netherlands an epilepsie nurse is a nurse practitioner. This implies that the epilepsy nurse has followed a two-year Master program and thus is entitled to perform several medical procedures such as routine neurological controls, requesting laboratory or other tests and providing medication advice.

My son consults a dietitian + an epilepsy nurse at the ketogenic policlinic (part of an academic childrens hospital.)

 

[BIGMAN131307]

The best I can find with a quick search is:

The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
http://www.aann.org/

_________________________________________
As far as I know it goes from:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
"Specialty" Nurse - Surgical, Pediatrics, etc..
Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Can see patients, and write prescriptions, typically works under the guidance of a MD.

 

[kirsten]

My epilepsy nurse is really good with understanding seizures. I showed up at the neuro's office once having rather a drastic simple partial and she knew exactly how to support me. She was great. She's clued up enough with the meds to follow what the neuro is doing and make sure I understand what's going on with them. She also decides when I need to see the neuro. I have to speak to her first and I'm also free to email her. So if she can't help me, she books me to see the neuro. She also has good knowledge of side effects and she's kept me 'on the straight and narrow' when I'd had it with my medication but still needed to titrate. She deals with my medical insurer.