Patient Population
Our patient population includes, but is not limited to care of the adult patient with a variety of medical diagnoses of the pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine system, infectious disease, other medical conditions, cardiac and minor surgeries. Patients on our unit may have an average length of stay of 48 hours to four days. As an Observation Unit at Vanderbilt Medical Center, we are dedicated to our patients by providing quality care with attention to clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, patient safety and positive outcomes. We utilize an interdisciplinary team approach along the continuum of care in an effort to provide balance for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs for every patient and their family.

Staffing
The Leadership team is comprised of a Unit Manager and 2 Clinical Staff Leaders. The unit also shares the support of a Nursing Education Specialist, and Administrative Assistant.

The staff is comprised of Registered Nurses, Care Partners, and Medical Receptionists.
Nursing assignments are determined by both acuity and patient census, staffing ratios are 1:5, but may require 1:6. Care partners routinely have an 11 patient assignment.

Orientation
All RNs are required to attend centralized hospital and clinical nursing, orientation, in addition to unit orientation. Orientation is individualized as needed but lasts on average 6-8 weeks. Unit-based orientation is preceptor-based.

Certifications
One year of direct patient care experience preferred in a clinical setting, BLS certification, along with successful completion of basic arrhythmia didactic classes and testing is required.