Clinical Decision UnitClinical Decision Unit is the newest addition to emergency services at Denver Health. It is a clinical pathway driven short stay unit, that specializes in caring for patients who have been initially evaluated in the emergency department. Average lengths of stay are between 8-16 hours, and care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that delivers ongoing medical treatments, assessments and dispositions of patients in this area. It is a team-based environment; that allows nurses to practice autonomy while caring for complex patients. It is perfect for nurses seeking a transition between the emergent and inpatient worlds. Nursing ratios are 1:5, with healthcare techs at a 1:8 ratio on days.
The Charge Nurse, with minimal direction, supervises nursing and support staff in an inpatient unit, specialty clinic, or treatment programs in various patient care settings.
The Charge Nurse, adheres to the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of professional nursing and performance, and the ANA Code of Ethics (2015) to provide care to all patients. Applies critical thinking, evidence-based policies, procedures, guidelines and competence to collaborate with the health care team to promote excellence in patient safety and quality outcomes. Utilizes the Theory of Human Caring and Caritas in daily practice. “Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Founder / Director, Watson Caring Science Institute.”