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PROFILE
Bigelow 7 is an eighteen-bed unit dedicated
to the care of women from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
with complex needs and problems associated with benign and malignant
gynecologic conditions.
UNIT FOCUS
The scope of care includes acute medical
and surgical diagnoses as well as chronic illnesses associated with
acute episodes. Comorbid conditions of diabetes, hypertension, obesity
and cardiac disease are among those often present in the population
of women served. Care is given over the illness continuum from diagnosis
to control, remission or advanced disease. Whether benign or malignant,
gynecologic conditions can pose threats to a woman's |
self-image or body image. Issues of fertility and reproductive
health and personal goals are often threatened. Women treated range
in age from very young adult to advanced years. Each woman is viewed
as a unique individual with personal and family needs. Nursing care
is focused on the prevention or minimization of pain, nausea, vomiting,
respiratory distress and other symptoms of the disease or its treatment.
Nurses are certified in the administration of intravenous and intraperitoneal
chemotherapy. Expert nurses prevent preventable problems rather than
react once they occur. Women's learning needs include self- care after
surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Common learning needs include
changes in hormonal balance, sexuality and reproduction. Fatigue,
nutrition and energy management are addressed. A holistic plan of
care is developed and implemented and revised as needed across all
stages of illness including end of life. Post-hospital care is managed
including referrals for after care in the home or rehabilitation setting.
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
Care is given by an interdisciplinary team
of professionals including nurses, physicians, social workers, case
manager, physical therapists, chaplains and dietitians. To inquire
about positions available on this unit, contact Jackie Lynch at
jglynch@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.
Nursing competencies include pre and post-operative
nursing care using state of the art technologies such as, Patient
-controlled analgesia, Epidural analgesia and intravenous NSAIDS.
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