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  Home > Nursing > Surgery > Respiratory Acute Care Unit, Bigelow 9
 
     
 
Nursing Director
Maria Winne, RN

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PROFILE
The RACU is an 18-bed unit designed for the care of ventilator weaning patients in the improving phase of their acute illness.

UNIT FOCUS
The Patient care delivery model is a patient-focused and family- focused model, supported by primary nursing. Patient-focused care is high quality, comprehensive, accessible, supportive and personalized care. The RACU incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to care that includes an active presence from respiratory therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, social service, case management, and dietary.
Operations Coordinator
Lori Powers

Clinical Nurse Specialist
Susan Gavaghan, RN
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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
Patient care associates support the RN staff. The support staff consists of operation associates, unit service associates and pharmacy technicians. 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. Flexible scheduling includes; shift rotation, voluntary permanent off shifts, eight and twelve hour shifts, long week/short week schedules, and special weekend time (includes extra differential).

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 are selected based on previous acute care experience and 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. Weekly conferences are offered for staff on the unit and include CEU's.