Number of beds on unit: 50 beds (divided between 2 , A side with 24 beds and B side with 26 beds)
Patient population (age, diagnosis, specifics about unit): Primarily cardiac patients with cardiac drips and post cardiac procedures, pulmonary patients and medical-surgical overflow with a variety of diagnoses. Adult population over 17 years of age.
Nurse to Patient ratio: 1:4-6
Department culture and resources: Fast paced unit with medically complex patients. Unit relies on strong communication skills between all team members, especially with the Heart and Vascular Institute procedural area. Supportive teamwork is crucial among team members on the unit to provide high quality care. New and experienced team members empower each other to drive new patient care initiatives and promote a culture of inclusion.
Frequent nursing skills/equipment used: Skills include: Fullhead-to-toe assessments, initiation and management of cardiac drips, interrogation of cardiac devices, pre and post procedural care including cardiac catheterization, pacemaker/ICD placement, ablation and revascularization; administration of medication via multiple routes, communication with interdisciplinary teams. Equipment used: IV pumps, wound vacs, telemetry monitoring, tube feeding pumps, Zoll defibrillator and electronic EMR. Basic BLS (within 30 days of hire) and ACLS (within 1 year of hire).
Performs all responsibilities and duties required by unit as specific to the scope of service. Implements procedures and theories related to the specific area of practice. Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to assure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team.
Completes initial assessment upon patient admission and develops appropriate plan of care in accordance with unit standards and that is based on patient and family needs. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation.
Takes responsibility for patient and employee safety by reporting and/or correcting safety hazards and incidents.
Communicates with others directly and in private when necessary to resolve issues. Offers constructive feedback to assist in the professional development of peers, and confers with colleagues to expand knowledge base. Identifies own learning needs and takes initiative to begin appropriate solution.
Fulfills all requirements of departmental competencies.
Manage care of acute and chronically ill cardiac and pulmonary patients
Collaboratively identify patient goals of care, design and maintain care plans with patient and family
Implement interventions as needed including medication administration and evaluation of effects
Prepare patients for procedures, pain management, IV venipuncture, blood administration, monitor labs
Discharge patients and provide instruction for safe transition from hospital
Document all care using EMR
Ensure team huddles are occurring
Evaluation of patients
Delegate with appropriate follow- up
Answer call lights
Ensure basic care such as turning, toileting, etc is done per standards of care