Patient population (age, diagnosis, specifics about unit): NT7 is 43- bed unit specializing in the care of acute and chronic digestive surgical patients. We are a bariatric certified unit by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Surgical patients on this unit includes trunk trauma patients, as well high acuity surgical advance care patients. We care for patients with surgical intervention needs from Oral Maxillary Facial Surgery (OMFS) traveling through to Colon Rectal Surgeries. With Carle being a level trauma center most regional trauma patients will be admitted to this unit.
Nurse to Patient ratio: 1:4-6 for surgical/medical patients and 1:3 with surgical advanced care patients
Department culture and resources: North Tower 7 is a high acuity critical thinking unit that extensively collaborates with the surgical residents and attendings. The length of stay can vary depending on diagnosis, interventions, and needs of each patient. We focus on being a team to provide the best and safest care to our community. Our connections and education mean the most to our team, and we strive to comfort patients through difficult transitioning periods. We are the highest daisy recognized unit with the organization. Additionally resources for the unit include: a full-time educator, part-time educator, 2 nurse supervisors, a manager, and charge nurses.
Frequent nursing skills/equipment used: wound vacs, TPN, PPN, epidurals, chest tubes, drips, peg tube, colostomy/ileostomy, tracheostomy, Jp drains, penrose drains, lift equipment, Foley/IV/NG/Mediport insertions, Central line care and lab draws, Nursing prioritization, IV pumps, PCA pumps, Feeding pumps, Lift equipment, SCDs, Telemetry monitoring, Patient connection
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.
Provides post-operative care for the complex surgical population.
Assesses and intervenes appropriately to ensure positive outcomes during the post-operative phase.
Monitors and cares for newly tracheostomies.
Assesses and maintains wounds that require a wound vac and other complex wound management.
Assesses, manages and educates patient and families on new ostomies. .
Works collaboratively with the general surgical residency and OMFS residency services.