The Emergency Observation Unit consists of 16 beds (8 on 5B, and 8 on 6B).
The Observation Unit is dedicated to efficient care of patients from the Emergency Department who do not meet inpatient admission status but are not immediately appropriate to send home. Patients are seen 24 hours a day by an advanced practice provider in conjunction with the Emergency Medicine Attending Physician.
The Observation nurses work as part of an interdisciplinary care team to provide individualized family-centered care for adult patients determined to need ongoing monitoring and care under the observation patient classification (24-48 hours). The typical patient ratio in the Observation unit is one nurse per four patients.
OHSU cares for patients of varying acuity in the Observation unit. A successful candidate will be able to practice independently and will engage in effective teamwork. Observation nurses understand the importance of their independent scope of practice and participate in the dependent scope of practice decision making with the provider team.
Common patient presentations in the Observation Unit include:
The OHSU Clinical registered nurse (RN) provides compassionate, evidence-based, and efficient care to individuals, families, communities and patient populations. The Clinical RN's care delivery is consistent with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and the ANA Code of Ethics. The Clinical RN demonstrates the professional role obligations of scientist, leader, and knowledge transferor [Onsomble Model of the Professional Role™]. Professional accountability enriches the Clinical RN's engagement as a leader in promoting an inter-professional culture of collaborative decision-making, innovation, life-long learning, and teamwork. The Clinical RN exemplifies the principles of a Culture of Safety by committing to a Just Culture, a Reporting Culture, a Learning Culture, and an Engaged Informed Culture.
STEMI, acute psychosis/psychological emergencies, infection, and sepsis. Patients may frequently present with alcohol or drug abuse history, and complex medical histories.
Usual Orientation Time: Dependent on previous experience and expertise for up to 4 weeks.
OHSU's singular focus on improving health starts with Oregonians and has global impact. We are the only academic health center in Oregon, but we're also nationally distinct as a university dedicated solely to advancing health sciences. This allows us to concentrate resources on research to prevent and cure disease, on education that prepares physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals to succeed in an evolving health care environment, and on patient care that incorporates the latest knowledge and discoveries.
Based in Portland, we have 16,000 employees, operate the top-ranked adult and children's hospitals in Oregon, and secure competitive research funding of more than $400 million a year. As a public organization, we provide community outreach and services for Oregon's most vulnerable populations.