RN (Registered Nurse)

Unit Notes
This document provides a detailed overview of the Unit 1 South Tele/NEURO nursing unit at Memorial Glenwood hospital, including staffing, patient care, certifications, common diagnoses, and operational protocols.

Unit and Hospital Information
The unit is identified as 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 [1] [2].

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 [3] [4].
• 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 [5] [6].
• 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) [7].
• Scheduling allows for self-scheduling and block scheduling; weekend work is required every other weekend or less, and holiday coverage is assigned on a rotationbasis [8] [9].
• There is a floating requirement, and travelers may be on call as a last resort [10] [11].

Certifications and Skills
• Nurses are required to have Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications [12].
• Experience in neurological care is a must-have skill on this unit [ref](p:31].
• Registered Nurses (RNs) are required to titrate drips such as Amiodarone, Heparin, Insulin, and Cardizem [13] [14].
Patient Care and Equipment
• The unit primarily cares for patients with cardiac, neurological/stroke, and seizure diagnoses [15].
• 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 [16].
• 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 [17].

Orientation and Dress Code
• Unit-specific orientation consists of 3 shifts [18].
• The dress code requires navy blue scrubs [19].

This summary captures the essential operational, staffing, and clinical details of Unit 1 South Tele/NEURO at Memorial Glenwood hospital, providing a comprehensive picture of the unit's functioning and requirements [1] [2].