Thoracic Surgery Unit

The Thoracic Surgery Unit provides care for patients undergoing one of over twenty thoracic surgical procedures.

Patient Population

• Patients with many interesting co morbidities
• Patients range in age from teenage to adult, and are primarily male
• Average length of stay: 4-10 days

Number of Beds

• 19

Nurse/Patient Ratio:

• 1:4

Rotation/Shifts:

• 12 hour shifts 7a – 7p and 7p - 7a
• Weekend only option available

Skill Mix:

• Registered Nurses
• 1 Patient Care Technician per 12 patients

Nursing Unit Orientation:

• 6- 8 weeks: individually designed for each nurse based on prior experience and skill

Unit Requirements

• ACLS Certified
• Knowledge of pulmonary function, nutritional support, pain management, death and dying, emotional response to illness, cardiology and electrolyte management required