Medical Fourth

Service/Responsibilities

Medical Fourth is a 14-bed unit specializing in the care of the older adult medical patient. Common diagnoses include pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, COPD, abdominal pain, and anemia.

Technology

All Medical Fourth beds are monitored via wireless remote telemetry packs with monitor techs continuously watching and reporting changes to the nursing staff. Computerized charting is utilized by all staff through several mechanisms such as, mobile units known as "Johnnies", wall mounted units referred to as "Computeroos" bedside computer units, and desktop computers at the nurses station. Medications and supplies are readily available in Omnicells or the patients individual Wallaroo. Nurses also have access to their own locked red supply cart. He or she can push this cart from room-to-room with them to help save steps. Each member of the nursing team carries a cellular phone to allow important patient and physician calls to be transferred. In an effort to protect the backs of our staff, Medical Fourth has two permanent and two portable ceiling lifts made by GuldmannÒ.

Staffing

The average daily census is 11 patients. The unit's nursing staff is all RN. We do utilize 24-hour nursing assistant coverage from a census point of 9 patients and above. A unit clerk is present on the unit seven days a week between the hours of 6:30am-11pm. Scheduling is done through an on-line self-requesting process which can be accessed both at work and at home. The nurse to patient ratio is generally 1:4 or 5 around-the-clock.

Training/Education

Owensboro Health offers on-site training and continuing education opportunities monthly that are FREE to their employees. All RNs are encouraged to obtain a specialty certification through the ANCC within 2 years of being eligible in the area of gerontology. With successful completion of the certification, this continuing education opportunity does quality for tuition reimbursement.

Continuous Quality Improvement

Medical Fourth continually strives to improve the quality of care we deliver to our patients and their families. Nurses are encouraged to serve as representatives on committees and teams within Owensboro Health. Currently, we have nurses representing our unit on the Skin Team and on the Institute for Healthcare Improvements TCAB (Transforming Care at the Bedside). At the present, this department is collaboratively working with pharmacy on medication reconciliation.