Comprehensive Stroke Center
Experiencing a stroke is a life changing event. Immediate and appropriate treatment initially is a critical component of recovery. The University of Tennessee Medical Center Stroke Team is committed to providing evidence-based care to East Tennesseans experiencing ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
The medical center’s certified Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center has been recognized as an American Stroke Association/American Heart Association Performance Achievement Award winner annually since 2008. The Stroke Center has been awarded the ASA’s highest level of recognition annually since 2012, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to quality improvement initiatives related to stroke patient care.
The Stroke Team at The University of Tennessee Medical Center is a multidisciplinary team, with representation from all disciplines and departments that span the continuum of stroke patient care. Nursing plays a pivotal role in the treatment of stroke–from the prehospital setting to rehabilitation. The Stroke Center team places a high priority on professional development for neuroscience nurses. Cerebrovascular focused continuing nursing education is offered in various formats. Staff nurses participate in facility and community education events directed at increasing awareness regarding stroke prevention, recovery, and recognition. Nurses have the opportunity to participate in quality improvement initiatives directed at improving outcomes for stroke patients.
Staff, as well as our patients and their families, benefit from the multidisciplinary team approach. EMS professionals, pharmacists, radiologic technicians, laboratory staff, pastoral care, rehabilitation professionals, advanced practice nurses, and physicians work together with nurses to provide excellent care to this challenging group of patients. Weekly case reviews provide the opportunity to continuously evaluate our process. Feedback is provided weekly to all team members for each Code Stroke experience.
Cerebrovascular nursing is a challenging and rewarding specialty. There are opportunities throughout the University of Tennessee Medical Center to provide care to patients experiencing ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, including the Emergency Department, Neuro Critical Care, Neuro-Interventional, Radiology, 7 South Neuro/Stroke, 6 South Neuro/Spine.