RN (Registered Nurse)

Unit 1 South Tele/NEURO Nursing Unit

This document provides a detailed overview of the Unit 1 South, specializing in Telemetry and Neurology (NEURO) care at Memorial Glenwood hospital. It has a total of 32 beds and operates under cost center number 251003004.

Staffing and Scheduling

Nurse-to-patient ratios are 1:5 during the 7 a.m. shift and 1:6 during the 7 p.m. shift. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are utilized on the 7 p.m. shift. There is a charge nurse on every shift who takes an assignment; often, the charge role is included in staffing but not as a primary goal. Nurse aides or patient care technicians (PCTs) are present with a ratio of 12-15 patients per PCT. Their duties include taking vitals, bathing, blood glucose monitoring, phlebotomy, and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs). Scheduling allows for self-scheduling and block scheduling; weekend work is required every other weekend or less, and holiday coverage is assigned on a rotation basis. There is a floating requirement, and travelers may be on call as a last resort.

Certifications and Skills

Nurses are required to have Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications. Experience in neurological care is a must-have skill on this unit. Registered Nurses (RNs) are required to titrate drips such as Amiodarone, Heparin, Insulin, and Cardizem.

Patient Care and Equipment

The unit primarily cares for patients with cardiac, neurological/stroke, and seizure diagnoses. Respiratory therapy equipment includes High Flow and BiPAP devices used for less than 24 hours. RNs are not required to manage these devices beyond troubleshooting. Telemetry monitoring is virtual; there are no on-unit Tele/Monitor Techs. Nurses are responsible for reading their own cardiac strips each shift using Client telemetry monitors.

Orientation and Dress Code

Unit-specific orientation consists of 3 shifts. The dress code requires navy blue scrubs.