Jennifer Pauly, RN, MSN, CNRN, SCRN, ENLS
Jennifer Pauly, RN, MSN, CNRN, SCRN, ENLS, is a highly skilled neuro-critical care nurse with over five years of experience at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in the care of critically ill stroke and traumatic brain injury patients, with a strong focus on preventing secondary injury and optimizing outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her expertise in neurocritical care is complemented by multiple certifications, including Certified Neuro Nurse (CNRN), Stroke-Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN), and Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS).
Jennifer’s path to nursing was unconventional. She began her professional journey in medical front office roles during the 1990s, where she gained early experience taking vitals and assisting with back-office duties. She later transitioned into the business and legal sectors, earning a paralegal studies degree from Rio Salado College and working in securities and exchange law for over five years. These experiences helped her develop strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, which she now applies in her clinical practice.
Her decision to pursue nursing was deeply personal. After witnessing her father’s experience as a neurocritical care patient, including multiple hospitalizations and near-death events, Jennifer was inspired to bring both compassion and understanding to patients and families navigating similarly challenging circumstances. This perspective has shaped her patient-centered approach, emphasizing not only clinical excellence but also empathy and family support.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from Arizona State University and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Arizona College of Nursing. She is an active member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and the Association of Critical Care Nurses. Beyond direct patient care, Jennifer serves as a preceptor on her neurocritical care team, mentoring new nurses and sharing her expertise in both clinical skills and compassionate patient care.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Jennifer continues to expand her expertise through advanced certifications and plans to pursue additional credentials in critical care and healthcare quality, including the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). She also aspires to transition into nursing education in the future, broadening her impact by training and inspiring the next generation of nurses.
• University of Arizona College of Nursing - M.S. in Nursing
• Arizona State University - B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
• Rio Salado College - A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies
• Certified Neuro Nurse (CNRN)
• Stroke-Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN)
• Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS)
• NNRP Mentor (CommonSpirit Health)
• NNRP Preceptor (CommonSpirit Health)
• Recognition for excellence in neurocritical care and precepting (internal hospital awards)
• Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
• American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Beta Mu Chapter
• Troop Leader, Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (2014–2017)
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Critical Care
- Neuro
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Neurocritical care
- Stroke management
- Traumatic brain injury care
- Preventing secondary injury
- Emergency neurological support
- Patient and family education
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I love most about nursing is the opportunity to both learn and teach. I serve as a preceptor on my neurocritical care team, and I truly value the feedback I receive from my colleagues, especially from providers who are experts in their fields. It motivates me to pass on not only the clinical knowledge I have gained over the years but also the compassionate care I bring from my personal experiences. My passion is deeply rooted in my perspective as a family member of a neurocritical care patient—my father’s hospitalizations and near-death experiences showed me where compassion and understanding can make a profound difference. Being able to bring that perspective to my patients and their families is what drives me every day.