Using state-of-the art monitoring technology, 4C improves care for patients moving from ICU and will help teach new doctors and nurses
PHOENIX - Combining leading-edge technology, a model nursing education program and functional beauty, the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center has a beautiful new ward. With its advanced technology on Ward 4C, VA can now offer enhanced state-of-the-art patient care while maximizing the facility's bed space, especially during the peak winter season.
The 25-bed Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit on Ward 4C at the VA Medical Center features a new tele-monitoring system that lets nurses keep a close watch on cardiac and other patients. These patients may no longer need intensive care, but are not yet stable enough for a general medical or surgical care unit. Thus, the availability of such a high level of care outside of the medical center's intensive care unit (ICU) will make more ICU beds available during winter months, when demand is highest when influenza season and when the winter visitors hit.
"This is more than a regular telemetry unit," explains Michael Chesser, MD, Medical Director of the Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit. He says the unit fills the "middle ground" between ICU and general patient care areas by providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients "who are a little less stable than typical (medical and surgical) patients."
Dr. Chesser says the impressive new telemonitoring system will allow nurses and other health care professionals to monitor several aspects of patients' status, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. Caregivers can monitor patients at the bedside or from the nurses' station, and technicians in the medical center's ICU or Emergency Department (ED) can also track patients' physical status.
The patients, many of whom will be recovering from heart attacks, strokes or serious diabetic reactions, likely will be receiving intravenous medications that can have a significant effect on the body. The "extra set of eyes" offers additional safety to patients and allows them to continue their recovery in a comfortable, less restrictive environment.
"ICUs are typically very busy units, with a lot of noise and activity," says Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, Associate Chief of Nursing Service, Operations. "So this type of unit is a better environment for the patient."
Ward 4C offers semiprivate and private rooms that are spacious and beautifully decorated. Veterans in wheelchairs will find it easy to get around, including being able to wheel into the showers in their bathrooms. A few private rooms can be used as pulmonary isolation rooms.
The VA's new Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit also will provide a state-of-the-art teaching environment for medical students, residents and nursing students. In August, the unit will launch a model teaching program in collaboration with the Arizona State University College of Nursing. Five VA nurses will be clinical adjunct faculty at ASU, working alongside and teaching student nurses. Staff nurses at the VA will be able to attend educational sessions at the nearby College of Nursing as well.
Jess Fowler, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager of the Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit, adds that the combination of nurses providing a higher level of care and being involved in teaching students will help support nursing retention at the hospital.
"They are increasing their nursing competencies, and that helps motivate staff."
Fowler says the VA Medical Center expects to save "several hundred bed days" each year by having the new unit, and freeing up more ICU beds.
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MEDIA NOTE: To arrange for a tour of the new facility and interviews with VA staff, contact Paula Pedene, APR, Public Affairs Officer.
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The 25-bed Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit on Ward 4C at the VA Medical Center features a new tele-monitoring system that lets nurses keep a close watch on cardiac and other patients. These patients may no longer need intensive care, but are not yet stable enough for a general medical or surgical care unit. Thus, the availability of such a high level of care outside of the medical center's intensive care unit (ICU) will make more ICU beds available during winter months, when demand is highest when influenza season and when the winter visitors hit.
The patients, many of whom will be recovering from heart attacks, strokes or serious diabetic reactions, likely will be receiving intravenous medications that can have a significant effect on the body. The "extra set of eyes" offers additional safety to patients and allows them to continue their recovery in a comfortable, less restrictive environment.