Neurosciences Nursing

The Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Neurosciences Nursing provides a rich environment of learning and professional growth. As an academic medical center, we embrace a multidisciplinary, collaborative commitment to excellence in patient care and advanced professional practice. Come and explore limitless opportunities with The Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Neurosciences Nursing and acquire valuable knowledge and skills.

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Our Units

The continuum of patient care in the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery spans critical and acute care units, including:

  • 24-bed Critical Care Unit (NCCU) – Zayed 3
  • 26-bed Acute Adult Inpatient Unit (Zayed 12 West), which includes a 6-bed Brain Rescue Unit (BRU)
  • 4-bed Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (Bloomberg 10 South)
  • 26-bed Acute Adult Inpatient Unit (Zayed 12 East), which includes a 6-bed Adult Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (Zayed 12 East)

Our unit-based clinical nurse specialists, critical care nurse practitioners, certified wound care nurses, discharge planner, and educators provide support, mentoring and ongoing bedside staff education. Our shared governance structure with unit-based committees offers opportunities to share talents and professional growth. This participative model promotes an environment of team collaboration and autonomous nursing practice.

We are the department of choice if you are looking to become a neuro specialty nurse in areas such as:

  • Cerebral resuscitation
  • Management of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
  • Hemodynamic instability
  • Management of airway and respiratory compromise
  • Spinal reconstruction
  • Monitoring abnormal electrical activity of the brain
  • Cerebrospinal fluid pressure monitoring in hydrocephalus

Nurse Orientation and Education Opportunities

Neurosciences Nursing Leadership

Kelly Caslin, R.N., M.S.N.

Director of Nursing, Neuroscience and Psychiatry Nursing Departments
Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Education: Towson University, B.S.N.; Johns Hopkins University, M.S.N.

headshot of Kelly Caslin

Sandra Dearholt, M.S., R.N.

Assistant Director of Nursing, Neuroscience and Psychiatry Nursing Departments
Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Education: University of Maryland, M.S.; University of Maryland, B.S.N.

headshot of Sandra Dearholt

Kelly L. Heffron, B.S.N., R.N.

Neuroscience Nursing Coordinator
Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Education: Towson State University, B.S.N.; Wicks Educational Associates, Inc., WOCN

headshot of Kelly Heffron

Tenise Shakes, B.S.N., R.N., C.N.R.N.

Nurse Manager, Zayed 12 West/Brain Rescue Unit
Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Education: Coppin State University, B.S.N.

headshot of Tenise Shakes