Scope of Service

Overview:

GMU is a 29 bed Ault Medical/Oncology Unit. The majority of the patients are admitted through the ER with a smaller amount coming as direct admits and transfers from other units in house.

Types and Ages of Patients Served:

Primary population of patients is adult medical and oncology patients.

Description of Internal and External Customers:

Internal customers served include other nursing units, physicians, patients, families and all ancillary departments of the hospital. External customers we serve include, but are not limited to: home health care services, area nursing homes, area rehabilitation facilities, medical supply companies, other contracted medical service companies, West Michigan Cancer Center, outlying hospitals and the local community.Conditions treated include, but are not limited to: cancer, sickle cell anemia, renal disease, renal failure, blood dyscrasias, pneumonia, chronic pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchitis, patients undergoing brachytherapy or an iodine swallow, HIV, diabetes, TB and other medical disorders.

Types of Service/Care Provided:

Medical practitioners include the Hospitalists and attending physicians, consulting physicians, and house officers. Nursing staff consist of a Nursing Director, Nurse Manager, Unit Coordinators, Charge Nurses, Registered Nurses, Patient Care Assistants (PCA), student nurses than function under the supervision of their instructor and Unit Clerks. The delivery method is a coordinated managed care system utilizing a team approach. The Unit Coordinator/relief charge nurse oversees the provision of patient care, manages unity variability and serves as a clinical resource person. Registered Nurses plan for the progression of care of the entire length of stay, evaluate progress, provide continuity, and make appropriate referrals. RNs and PCAs provide the care for their assigned team of patients during a given shift. Patient to team (RN/PCA) ratios are based on factors as noted in department staffing plan.Types of services provided include assessment, planning, teaching evaluation of care, and discharge planning. Specific services include assisting with ADLs and mobility, pain control, chemotherapy and administration, IV and hyperalimentation management, tube feedings administering medications, administration of blood and blood products, specimen collection, documentation and the provision of emotional support.Major providers are medical staff with adult medical and oncology privileges. This also includes KCMS residents.Other team members include: physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, pharmacists, case managers, social workers, chaplains, phlebotomists, food service ambassadors, universal staff assistants, etc.

Sites Where Care/Service is Provided:

Lab draws, portable x-rays, EKGs, pulseoximetry, respiratory treatments, and some PT/OT functions are performed on the unit. Patients are also transported to/from radiology, cardiovascular, surgery, GI lab, PT/OT, CT scan, and The West Michigan Cancer Center for services performed in those areas.

Times When Services/Care is Provided:

GMU is an inpatient unit and care is provided on a 24hour/7 days a week basis, including holidays.