138: Training the Next Generation of Neurology Nurse Practitioners

Welcome to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. Tune in to hear leaders in neurology sound off on topics that impact your clinical practice.

In this episode, "Training the Next Generation of Neurology Nurse Practitioners," Daniel Harrison, MD, neurointensivist and assistant professor of neurology at Boston Medical Center, discussed his role as a senior author on a paper focused on a national needs assessment survey of neurologic education in nurse practitioner (NP) programs. In the conversation, Harrison explained how the survey aimed to understand neurology education across NP programs and identify gaps in training for advanced practice providers. He highlighted key findings, including the importance of lesion localization and neuroradiology for NP postgraduate training. While basic neurology education is integrated into many NP programs, he emphasized the need for more hands-on clinical experiences in specialized areas like neurocritical care and neuro-oncology. He also discussed the critical shortage of preceptors for neurology rotations, which hinders clinical education. Looking ahead, Harrison shared his thoughts on the growing role of NPs in neurology, forecasting a substantial increase in their numbers over the next decade and its impact on both clinical care and education. He also acknowledged the contributions of his colleague, Kate Sweeter, NP, who played a key role in the research, highlighting the importance of NPs in clinical care and academic advancements in neurology.

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Episode Breakdown:

• 1:00 – Overview of the national needs assessment survey 
• 3:45 – Importance of lesion localization and neuroradiology for NP postgraduate training
• 6:05 – The role of neuropathology in neurology education for nurse practitioners
• 8:05 – Challenges with clinical rotation preceptors and the shortage in neurology
• 9:40 – Neurology News Minute
• 12:10 – The role of NP programs in providing clinical experience
• 14:55 – Variability and lack of standardization in NP neurology education
• 18:05 – Evolving duties and responsibilities of NPs over the coming years
• 19:35 – Closing thoughts, acknowledging the contributions of Kate Sweeter, NP, and the value of NPs in neurology

The stories featured in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here:

• FDA Accepts Regulatory Submission for BTK Inhibitor Tolebrutinib for Non-Relapsing Secondary Progressive MS

• FDA Approves Diazoxide Choline Extended-Release Tablets for Hyperphagia in Prader-Willi Syndrome

• Genentech Reports High-Dose Ocrelizumab Fails to Show Additional Benefit in Relapsing MS

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