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and spinal trauma patients and patients
with strokes. Both neuroscience units admit a
mixture of neuro medical and neuro surgical
patients, giving the practitioner the advantage of a wide range
of clinical bedside experiences. Complicated postoperative craniotomies,
spinal surgery, vascular surgery and various neuro degenerative
disorders are admitted to the neuroscience units. Nurses become
fluent with care of the patient who requires mechanical ventilation,
external cerebral spinal fluid drainage, chest tubes, acute neuro
assessment, and palliative care.
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 neuroscience
clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners who act as an
invaluable resources at the bedside. Nursing students rotate through
both floors, and nursing assistants are there to provide patient
support. The support staff consists of operation associates, unit
service associates and pharmacy technicians. To inquire about positions
available on this unit, contact Rod Mattson at rmattson@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. Informal education is done on the floors
when staffing and acuity allows. Offerings such as arrhythmia recognition,
cardiovascular compromise, head trauma, seizure treatments, mock
codes, palliative care modalities, endovascular interventions for
aneurysms etc. are covered. Updates as to new practices are covered
in newsletters written by the clinical nurse specialists
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