Med surg telemetry unit

Our 44-bed unit accounts for the largest volume of ER and direct admits within the hospital. Here, we care for a variety of patients via telemetry, or, constant electronic monitoring. Many patients in telemetry units have experienced serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, so it is critical to keep them under close observation. As such, we have a state-of-the-art monitoring system with the capacity to monitor 18 patients at a time.

With a variety of patient needs to accommodate, we work in a collaborative manner with numerous departments including the hospitalist, case managers, respiratory therapists, dieticians and physical therapists.

The med/surg/telemetry unit interacts with several other departments in the hospital, accounting for the diverse array of patients we see. We care for a wide range of diagnoses, including treatments for:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Congestive heart failure
• Chest pain
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal complications
• Pneumonia
• Surgical needs
• Wounds

Following a shared leadership approach is central to the success of my department. My employees have a voice and are tasked to set unit standards for patient care and customer service.

Our department works in a collaborative manner with a variety of departments, including the hospitalist, case managers, respiratory therapists, dieticians and physical therapists. We also like to have fun, and celebrate birthdays and holidays in the unit for working staff. But the main key to our success is teamwork, and our nursing staff in 3 North has fully embraced this concept.

Robbin Catt
Director