Friday, September 28, 2007

The Next Frontier of MRI Technology

Hello to all,

Fall is upon us (already!). No matter what the season, It's always exciting to share the latest news with people -- especially with those people who can totally relate (like you neuro staffers). We are really happy to share this news with you!

Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of only three hospitals in the world to introduce the IMRIS iSPACE surgical imaging suite (photo, above right). Tipping the scales at 11,000 pounds, the installation of this magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that can perform MRI tests during surgery is expected in the very near future.

“We will have a state-of-the-art operating room for the 21st century,” says Ralph Dacey Jr., MD, Washington University neurosurgeon at the Siteman Cancer Center and chairman of neurosurgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “It will be the most sophisticated neurosurgical operating room in the Midwest."

Today, neurosurgeons must make their best estimation when removing brain tumors during surgery, but it isn't until an MRI is completed after surgery—sometimes days or weeks later—that the true success of the surgery is known. However, the iSPACE is designed to obtain MRI images during surgery, which improves patient outcomes by enabling neurosurgeons to more completely remove the tumor during the initial surgery.

“Barnes-Jewish has taken another step to ensure the technology will benefit the highest number of patients,” says Michael Chicoine, MD, Washington University neurosurgeon at Siteman. iSPACE has a unique ceiling mount that allows it to move between two operating rooms, thus enabling it to assist in two procedures simultaneously.”

Wow! Awesome news, right?

It is all about the commitment to optimizing the quality of care the patients receive in our hospital's healthcare environment. A large part of that commitment is implementing the latest technological changes toward that effect.

It's all about EXCELLENCE in patient care. Only the best is offered at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Keep checking our blog site to read the latest, and drop us a comment if you wish. We would love to hear from you!

Post at you later!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

It's Our Commitment Each Day to be the Best!

Greetings to all,

Construction continues on our Barnes-Jewish Hospital neurosciences blog site. We appreciate the comments and positive feedback we have received, and would like to hear from all of you in the "neuroworld" of the Internet -- your experiences, your stories, your comments, and your suggestions.

As you may know by now, the mission of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital neurology department is to provide outstanding clinical care, train leading neurologists and scientists of the future, and to be an international leader in clinical and basic research on the disorders of the nervous system. Our goal is to bring scientific research and discovery from the bench to the bedside to improve the lives of our patients. Our department has a long-standing tradition of excellence and we hope the information we have assembled here proves useful to you.

Neurological Specialties -

In addition to treating general adult neurologic conditions, neurologists have expertise in a host of sub-specialties including:

Alzheimer's disease
Ataxia
Brain and spinal cord lesions
Dementia
Dystonia
Encephalitis and other infectious diseases of the nervous system
Epilepsy
Guillian Barre
Headaches
Meningitis
Movement disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Muscle disorders
Myasthenia Gravis
Neuro-AIDS
Neurofibromatosis
Neurological trauma
Parkinson's disease
Peripheral neuropathy
Sleep disorders
Spinal cord injuries
Stroke
Tourette syndrome (Tourette's syndrome)
Tremor
Tumors, and Vascular diseases of the central nervous system


Specialized procedures offered include sleep studies, electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, a state-of-the art brain imaging technique invented and developed at Washington University, is located in the neurology intensive care unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The unit is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the United States.

We will have much more information to come regarding the latest in technology and services provided by BJH neurology services.

Thanks again for your comments and support! We hope to hear from many more of you in the near future.

Post at you later!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Neurology Success Story

Hello everyone!

We're back again, only this time with a wonderful neurology success story.

Judy Moss' life turned upside down 11 years ago. Once an active, vibrant young woman, Moss battled exhaustion, balance and mobility problems.

Her primary care physician in DuQuoin, Ill., suspecting multiple sclerosis, referred her to a neurologist for a diagnosis and specialized care. The neurologist confirmed the diagnosis, but didn't offer Moss much in the way of treatment.

One in 10 persons over age 65 (and nearly half of persons over age 85) are affected by Alzheimer's.

Moss literally refused to take the diagnosis sitting down and moved to her brother's home in St. Louis, where she knew she'd have access to current medical research and cutting-edge treatments."Everyone told me to go to Barnes-Jewish," Moss says. "There wasn't any other choice because it had the best reputation around."

Just walking from the parking garage across the street to the hospital exhausted her, but Moss' first visit with her neurologist put her on the fast track to getting the help she needed.

"Two days after my first intravenous steroid treatment, I felt amazing," Moss says. "Even though I never played tennis, I felt like I could have played at the tennis courts across the street from the hospital."

In the 10 years since, Moss has participated in several medication studies, helping both herself and other MS patients find effective treatments. She has nothing but hope for the future.

"I have talked with a lot of MS patients," Moss says, "and most have never seen an MS specialist. Based on the difference I see in my treatment and condition since I've seen since I visited my neurologist, I truly believe I'm better off."


Great story! Congratulations to Judy on her successful turn-around. We wish her the best.

There are many people who desperately want and need to seek treatment for neurological issues. Many may wonder: what exactly goes on during a neurological examination? This information is just a click away. The Barnes-Jewish Hospital web page provides answers. Here's the link: www.barnesjewish.org/healthinfo/content.asp?pageid=P00780

Working with neurology patients is an ever-changing and truly rewarding experience. Long-term staff members support new neurology employees by sharing their knowledge and experiences while encouraging individual growth.

As a major, world-renowned teaching hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is continually advancing the neuro sciences, and YOU have many opportunities to learn new skills. Our staff works with the newest and most advanced technology available.

And, more good news is coming! Be sure to stay tuned for the latest information on the two new state-of-the-art, MRI-equipped operating rooms at BJH, scheduled to open in 2009.

And, don't forget -- you can get the latest information on Barnes-Jewish Hospital and related neurosurgery services at http://www.barnesjewish.org/

Post at you later!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The Gamma Ray Knife and Other Specialized Procedures

Hello again!

Well, we are making good progress with our new neurology blog. You may notice we added some valuable links to the site (right) which we hope will provide all of you with the latest information available relating to neurosurgical technologies, services and other related news.

Did you know ....?

Barnes-Jewish Hospital has four dedicated neurosurgery operating rooms equipped to perform any neurological surgical procedures including multiple trauma. The hospital’s 20-bed neuro-intensive care unit (NICU) is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the United States, ensuring that after surgery, patients are cared for by specialized physicians, nurses and other staff. The NICU has computerized radiograph viewing and an in-unit positron emission tomography (PET) scanner --a state-of-the art brain imaging technique invented and developed at Washington University. In conjunction with Washington University neurologists and neuroradiologists, surgeons treat the full range of neurovascular disorders.

Among the specialized procedures offered by BJH/WUSM neurosurgeons is the Gamma Knife, a revolutionary new treatment for certain types of brain tumors and other abnormalities within the brain.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the only facility with this technology within 250 miles of St. Louis. For patients whose age or other medical conditions make neurosurgery dangerous or not an option, the Gamma Knife can be a life-saving procedure.

Other specialized procedures include:

Stereotactic Neurosurgery -- computer-assisted guidance in brain surgery that allows the placement of biopsy tools or electrodes deep in the brain

Surgical Navigation -- use of computers to plan precise approaches to areas of the brain during surgery

Cavitron -- surgical device that disintegrates and aspirates brain tumors

Intraoperative Angiography -- use of blood vessel x-rays during surgery to enhance outcomes for aneurysms or arteriovenous malformation surgery

Movement Disorder Surgery -- surgical implantation of stimulators to treat Parkinson’s Disease and certain types of tremor

Cortical mapping EE -- provides the surgeon with information on where essential functions are located in the brain, so the surgeon will avoid cutting through these areas; identifies the area of the brain causing seizures

In addition, neurosurgeons are consistently refining surgical techniques to treat epilepsy, brain tumors, and a combined endovascular/neurosurgical treatment of aneurysms.

The world's first magnetic surgery was conducted at BJH. The surgical technique, known as the Magnetic Surgery System (MSS), promises less invasive techniques for finding and removing brain tumors, while avoiding adjacent structures and tissues.

Neurosurgery isn't just about head injuries and brain tumours these days. It is a specialty that is at the forefront of biomedical and technological developments. Modern neurosurgery combines clinical acumen, surgical judgement and technical expertise.

If you choose neurosurgery you will be part of a specialty that takes advantage of advances in microsurgery, non-invasive imaging, neuro-anaesthesia, neuro-intensive care and image-guided surgery. Be a part of the future in medicine. Become a part of changing and widening the scope of neurosurgical practice.

And, drop us a comment or two. We would be very happy to hear from you.

Post at you later!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Neurosurgery Expertise

Greetings! Welcome to the neurosurgery blog site for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri ... nursingforneuro-or.

We are continuing to build our site. We haven't received many comments on our blog as of yet, but the word is getting out. We wanted to share more important information about Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Barnes-Jewish Hospital's Neurology and Neurosurgery services as the best in Missouri and in the top seven in the country.

Neurosurgery brings together an expert, multidisciplinary team to treat disorders of the brain, spine and nervous system.

A wide range of factors from genetic abnormalities or immune system deficiencies, to injury to the brain or nervous system can cause neurological disorders and diseases. As such, neurological disorders may be diverse, chronic and challenging to treat. Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s physicians, nurses and allied health professionals achieve the best medical care for each patient by working as a multidisciplinary team to develop a customized treatment plan.

For a referral to a Washington University neurologist or neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free 866-867-3627.

BJH is a primary stroke center as designated by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The neuroscience medicine floor, 11400/11500, has 53 beds, the stepdown unit, 10500, has 21 beds and the neuro ICU has 20 beds.

BJH is also one of only three hospitals in the country to be certified as an epilepsy center, another JCAHO designation. To become an epilepsy center, a hospital has to prove that they have an interdisciplinary team, a performance improvement plan, and all neuroscience staff has to complete eight hours of training on the specifics of seizures and epilepsy.

If you have the talent, dedication to excellent patient care, and desire to be a part of one of the best hospitals in the world, drop us a comment line and let us know. Share some of your related experiences with us. Just click on the "comments" link below. We would love to hear from you.

And, don't forget. Information regarding our $14,000 BJH employment bonus will be posted very soon. It's very exciting news!!

Post at you later!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Cash for Neurosurgery OR Nurses!

Greetings to all you Neurosurgery nurses out there!

We're back. As you can see, our blog site is still under construction. We'll be writing much more about Neuro OR nursing, so stay tuned!

What's the latest? Well, we're expanding our commitment to excellence. Are you ready to add your talent to our Barnes-Jewish Hospital team?

It may interest you to know that Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH) is one of the first hospitals to offer the most advanced intraoperative MRI. In fact, only three other hospitals in the world -- yes, I said in the WORLD -- have similar technology that enables neurosurgeons to obtain vital brain images while surgery is in progress.

We're looking for several neurosurgical nurses to work in the intraoperative MRI. This is such an exciting opportunity! We have brand new OR suites -- state of the art facilities with the very latest in technology.

Most importantly, we're making quite an positive impact on excellent patient care. Here's what some professionals think:

"The introduction of the intraoperative MRI at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is an opportunity to work on the most sophisticated, totally integrated image guidance system in health care. If you enjoy technology and the challenge of complicated procedures, this is an unparalleled nursing position. I believe strongly in collaboration between nursing and surgical practice, and it is particularly critical in this environment."

Ralph Dacey, MD
Chairman of Neurological Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine

Here's a word from someone who knows:

"Being an OR nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is phenomenal. We assist with intracranial vascular procedures, bypass surgeries, deep-brain stimulation and epilepsy and spine surgeries on a daily basis. We work with an elite group of physicians who provide guidance and education, and who count on us as much as we support them. The technology used in our surgeries is truly the most advanced, allowing me the opportunity to learn video integration and surgical navigation.

If you're looking for an exciting nursing career within a wonderful team environment, Barnes-Jewish is the place for you. The work is professionally energizing while the atmosphere is flexible and supportive, helping me to maintain balance with the rest of my life."

Kim Gregory, RN
OR Resources Nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Just to let you in on a little secret, BJH IS IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING TOGETHER A $14,000 EMPLOYMENT BONUS PROGRAM! (Yes, I said $14,000!) YOU'VE GOT TO STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS!

So what are you waiting for? If you're a top-notch nurse looking for a top 10 medical center, please contact Felesia Reece at fgr5564@bjc.org or Gary Secrease at gas1876@bjc.org. Or go to our hospital website at http://www.barnesjewish.org/ to apply.

Drop us a line and let us know how you feel.

Post at you later!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Beginning - Nursing in the Neuro OR

A commitment to neurosurgery excellence, with nursing OR units at Barnes-Jewish Hospital devoted solely to the care of neuro patients. That's what this blog site is all about.

The neurosurgery suite at Barnes-Jewish Hospital employs nurses that are specially trained to care for neurological patients. Along with professional excellence, this team functions with one goal in mind -- exceptional surgical care for their patients.

What we would like to do through this blog is to shed more light on this highly skilled team and their work to advance the practice of neurosurgery.

Nurses are a little difficult to find in our country these days. Good nurses are even harder to find. And EXCEPTIONAL nurses are the most difficult to find. Our goal is to catch the attention of all of you nurses out there who specialize in neuro OR care ... to find the most talented, compassionate, caring people that live to help people.

Wouldn't you like to be a member of one of the country's best nursing teams, carrying responsibility for the delivery of the highest quality, personalized patient care? Your specialized skills in the neuro OR will be one of the most important steps in ensuring that the individual surgical needs of each patient are met.

It's all about advancing the diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions of the brain and nervous system. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is backed by one of the premier medical teaching colleges in the United States (Washington University School of Medicine, ranked #2 medical school in the US).

Let us know what you think. We would be interested in your personal experiences as a neuro OR nurse. Success stories. Lessons learned stories. Or just to talk about nursing opportunities. We want to hear from you!

You can also check out our website at:
http://www.barnesjewish.org/

Post at you later!