PROFILE
Blake 8 is an 18 bed intensive care unit.

UNIT FOCUS
Patients on this unit have undergone a surgical procedure for the treatment of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, aortic disease, congenital heart disease, lethal arrhythmias, sudden death experiences and end stage heart disease requiring cardiac transplantation or insertion of a ventricular assist device. Other patients who may be admitted are pre-operative cardiac surgical patients who are in shock and require close hemodynamic monitoring. In rare circumstances when there are no medical or general surgical intensive care beds available, we may accept an acutely ill noncardiac patient until another ICU bed becomes available.

PATIENT CARE DELIVERY MODEL
The patient care delivery model is a patient-focused model, supported by primary nursing. Patient-focused care is high quality, comprehensive, accessible, supportive and personalized care.

TEAM MEMBERS
The RN staff is supported by Critical Care Technicians and the Clinical Nurse Specialist. Support staff consists of operations associates, unit service associates, a pharmacist, operations coordinator, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, dietician and chaplain. To inquire about positions available on this unit, please contact Elizabeth Behrmann at ebehrmann@partners.org

SCHEDULING PRACTICES
Staff schedules are driven by patient need. The scheduling process is staff driven and flexible to accommodate personal and educational needs. Once the schedule is posted, the staff manages changes.

STAFF ORIENTATION
All staff attends a one- week nursing orientation program. Unit orientation is preceptor based, individualized and determined by the Nursing Director, clinical nurse specialist and the new employee. The length of orientation is also individually determined. New graduate nurses may apply to the New Graduate Critical Care Program.

EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Staff education and development is supported by The Norman Knight Nursing Center for Clinical & Professional Development. Full and partial day programs are offered. Staff may also access outside educational opportunities. The teaching environment provides staff with a daily opportunity to discuss patient care related educational issues with members of the graduate medical education program and with other members of the care-delivery team.

Clinical Nurse Specialists provide educational support to staff on the nursing units. Staff has time allocated and the necessary support to offer educational programs to other staff members. Nursing Grand Rounds programs are offered on a regular basis.

Staff RNs have the opportunity to participate as a nurse preceptor or a team leader. RNs may advance in their clinical practice and demonstrate proficiency through the Clinical Recognition Program.