Unit Notes
Unit MedSurg- AC3 Miscellaneous Info & Examples if Needed
# of Beds 9 beds on Ortho and 13 beds on Inpatient Rehab If MS census does not support, the individual may be assigned IRF patients
Nurse:Patient Ratios 1:4 (MS) and 1:6 (IRF) - These numbers are frequently adjusted by the level of care required by the patient - reviewed in staffing 2x/day in staffing
Required certifications (i.e., BLS, ACLS?) BLS
Common diagnoses/Types of patients Total knees, hips and shoulders, CVAs, encephalopathy, lumbar fusions. We also take "clean" medical-surgical patients when bed needs necessitate
Experience or 'Must have' skills Ortho experience preferred, tele, IVs, foley catheters, dressing changes
Are RNs required to titrate drips? No
Common titratable &/or set rate drips NA
Is there a Charge Nurse on each shift? Does the charge nurse take an assignment? There is a charge nurse on both units (either side of the hall) for each shift, but they do take patient assignments.
Are there nurse aids/patient care techs on this unit? Ratios? Duties? There is a PCT assigned to each rotation on nights. They assist all patients on the unit with ADL care, vital signs. There are times due to urgent need or call in/vacation where nursing staff provide primary care.
RT Equipment (Vents, Cpap, BiPap, High Flow, etc.) Are RNs required to do anything with these besides trouble shoot? RT is responsible for neb tx, CPAP set up.
Are there tele/monitor techs on this unit? Are RNs required to read their own strips? What
brand are the tele monitors? We do take tele patients and monitor techs monitor off-site. Strips are run once a shift and reviewed and placed in record. All St. Luke's RNs have passed a basic rhythm course. Monitor techs call when any variation of rhythm is noted.
Shifts & Scheduling (Do you allow selfscheduling? Block scheduling?) We do not self-schedule, but I do try to work with nurses to allow flexibility in their schedules.
Weekend Requirement Every other weekend is needed.
Holiday Requirement Holidays are rotated to allow all staff time to spend with their families
Is there Call or a Standby requirement? NA - If census is low, they will stay on our unit or float to another unit in the hospital if there is a greater need for nursing staff.
Floating Requirements Yes, but only to another MS unit with similar staffing ratios.
Scrub Color/Dress Code/Scrubs provided? Navy blue - no our department does not provide
How many shifts of unit/department specific orientation? There are three days of classroom orientation to the facility followed by two precepted shifts on the floor.