RN (Registered Nurse)

Unit Notes
This 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 Details
• Hospital Name: Memorial Glenwood
• Unit: Unit 5 South, Med-Surg Colorectal
• Cost Center: 251003003
• Number of Beds: 30 [1] [2]
Staffing and Nurse-Patient Ratios
• 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 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) [3] [4]
Certifications and Skills Required
• Nurses 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 [5] [6]

Patient Types and Common Diagnoses
• The 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 [7]

Equipment and Monitoring
• Respiratory 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 [8] [9]

Scheduling and Work Requirements
• The 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 [10] [11]

Orientation and Dress Code
• New 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. [14] [15]