PROFILE
White 9 is a twenty-five-bed acute care medical unit. A majority of patients come directly from the emergency room and have single or multi-system problems including, but not exclusively, alterations in gas exchange, airway clearance, cardiac function, renal function, nutrition, hepatic function, skin integrity and mental states.

UNIT FOCUS
The staff of White 9 is committed to patients and the team. We advocate for our patients with respect to their wishes. We are friendly, supportive and respectful of each other's diverse experiences in an environment that is highly supportive of novice nurses. The orientation focuses on care of patients with specific disease processes. Frequent

physical assessment is essential to patient care, with use of EKG's, cardiac monitors and oxygen saturation devices as aids to assessment. In addition, behavioral assessment and management requires a unique set of competencies among nurses who care for patients with behavioral symptoms. On White 9, behaviorally focused teaching helps nurses gain an understanding of how the values, beliefs, and fears of diverse members of the culture impact their behavior and trust.

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 in by patient care associates, a clinical nurse specialist and the Nursing Director. The clerical and environmental support staff includes the operations coordinator, operation associates and unit service associates. The White 9 team works in collaboration with physicians, social workers, case managers, occupational and physical therapists, nutritionists and other disciplines to deliver competent, quality patient care. To inquire about positions available on this unit, please contact Sarah Welch at shwelch@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 nursing graduates participate in the New Graduate Mentorship 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.