RN (Registered Nurse)

Med-Surg Colorectal Unit OverviewThis document provides a detailed overview of the Med-Surg Colorectal Unit located in Unit 5 South at Memorial Glenwood hospital. It covers key operational, staffing, and clinical information relevant to the unit's functioning and patient care.Unit and Hospital DetailsHospital Name: Memorial GlenwoodUnit: Unit 5 South, Med-Surg ColorectalCost Center: 251003003Number of Beds: 30Staffing and Nurse-Patient RatiosNurse 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 during the 7 a.m. shift.A charge nurse is present on each shift and typically takes an assignment, although sometimes the charge nurse is included in staffing without an assignment being the goal.Nurse aides/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).Certifications and Skills RequiredNurses on this unit are required to have Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.Experience in medical/surgical nursing is essential.Registered Nurses (RNs) are required to titrate drips, including amiodarone (Amio), heparin (Hep), insulin, and Cardizem.Patient Types and Common DiagnosesThe unit primarily cares for patients with colorectal conditions including colorectal cancer and ileus, as well as those recovering from associated surgical interventions.Other common diagnoses include infections such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, and pneumonia.Equipment and MonitoringRespiratory therapy equipment includes High Flow and BiPAP devices used for less than 24 hours.RNs are expected to troubleshoot these devices but no further detailed responsibilities are specified.The unit uses Client tele monitors with virtual monitoring only; there are no telemetry/monitor technicians on site. Nurses are responsible for reading their own EKG strips each shift.Scheduling and Work RequirementsThe unit allows both self-scheduling and block scheduling for shifts.Weekend work is required every other weekend or less frequently.Holiday work is assigned on a rotating basis.There is an on-call requirement, but this is used as a last resort specifically for travelers.Floating to other units is required.Orientation and Dress CodeNew staff undergo a unit/department-specific orientation lasting 3 shifts.The dress code requires navy blue scrubs; it is not specified if scrubs are provided.This summary encapsulates the operational, clinical, and staffing framework of the Med-Surg Colorectal Unit at Memorial Glenwood, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the unit's environment and expectations for staff and patient care.