Advanced credential underscores hospital’s commitment to specialized neuroscience care

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – Delray Medical Center announced that more than half of the registered nurses in its Neuro Intensive Care Unit have earned the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN®) credential, demonstrating the team’s commitment to providing specialized, evidence-based care for patients experiencing strokes and other neurological emergencies.

Awarded through the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing, the SCRN credential recognizes nurses with advanced knowledge and experience in stroke care. Certification requires at least 2,080 hours of direct nursing care for patients with stroke and other neurological conditions, successful completion of a rigorous national examination and ongoing continuing education.

“Having more than half of our Neuro ICU nurses earn this nationally recognized certification reflects the extraordinary skill, discipline and dedication of our team,” said Heather Havericak, chief executive officer of Delray Medical Center. “Coming from a nursing background, I understand acutely the critical role talented nurses play in recognizing subtle changes in a patient’s condition, responding quickly and guiding patients and families through some of their most difficult moments. Their expertise is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes, particularly in stroke care, where every second matters.”

Every nurse who joins Delray Medical Center’s Neuro ICU completes comprehensive critical care training and specialized neuroscience education. Nurses also participate in mandatory annual education and neuroscience conferences to remain current on advancements in stroke treatment, neurocritical care and patient safety.

The Neuro ICU provides advanced care for patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, traumatic brain injuries, brain hemorrhages, seizures and other complex neurological conditions. Its specially trained nurses work alongside neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventional specialists and other members of the multidisciplinary care team to rapidly assess patients, coordinate treatment and support recovery.

Delray Medical Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, representing the highest level of stroke care. Comprehensive Stroke Centers have the personnel, technology and resources necessary to treat the most complex stroke cases, including around-the-clock access to advanced brain imaging, neurocritical care, neurosurgical services and minimally invasive neurointerventional procedures to remove blood clots or treat bleeding in the brain.

The designation also reflects a commitment to standardized treatment protocols, continuous quality improvement, specialized education and the tracking of clinical outcomes. These capabilities allow Delray Medical Center to provide the full continuum of stroke care, from rapid emergency evaluation and advanced intervention to intensive care, recovery planning and rehabilitation coordination.

“Our nurses combine advanced clinical knowledge with compassion at the bedside,” said Julie Abbate, administrative director of neuro services. “This milestone strengthens our Comprehensive Stroke Center and reinforces our promise to provide patients with highly specialized neuroscience care close to home.”

About Delray Medical Center

Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 536-bed acute care hospital, spanning 30 acres, employing over 1,700 employees, 700 physicians, serving southern Palm Beach County for over 40 years. As both a community hospital and state-designated Level I Trauma Center Delray Medical Center offers several specialized services including state-of-the art cardiac and vascular facilities, orthopedics, neurosciences, emergency care, and weight-loss surgery.

Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in the county by the State of Florida. Delray Medical Center is also home to Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 53-bed adult psychiatry unit. For more information about our services, visit our website at www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.