Nursing Practice Areas
The Cardiovascular Lab is a diagnostic and interventional procedural area, which includes interventional radiology. The scope of nursing care includes pre-catheterization patient/family education and preparation, assisting the physician during procedures, monitoring of hemodynamics, vasoactive drips and patient comfort, sheath removal and patient recovery. This is a high acuity department with a research-based practice that provides state of the art procedures and interventions.
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation/Wellness Program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The nurses offer exercise, education and lifestyle modification programs for individuals requiring primary, secondary or tertiary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The Registered Nurse is part of a multidisciplinary team in the supervision of telemetry-monitored exercise sessions at Exeter Hospital and Synergy Health & Fitness Center.
The Cardiac Diagnostic Program provides an array of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services including echocardiography, EKG and stress testing. Professional nurses oversee a variety of diagnostic measures aimed at determining a heart's functional capacity.
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation/Wellness Program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The nurses offer exercise, education and lifestyle modification programs for individuals requiring primary, secondary or tertiary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The Registered Nurse is part of a multidisciplinary team in the supervision of telemetry-monitored exercise sessions at Exeter Hospital and Synergy Health & Fitness Center.
The Cardiac Diagnostic Program provides an array of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services including echocardiography, EKG and stress testing. Professional nurses oversee a variety of diagnostic measures aimed at determining a heart's functional capacity.
Emergency Nurses at Exeter Hospital care for a diverse patient population with a wide range of clinical needs. With an annual volume of approximately 37,000 patients, the emergency department is one of the busiest in the Seacoast area. Our nurses possess strong clinical assessment skills, superior judgment, and the ability to manage challenging situations and set priorities. Emergency Department nurses care for patients in the following settings: triage, critical care, trauma care, emergency care and in the Minor Emergency Care Unit (MECU).
Medical Surgical Nursing:
4 East North, 4 East South, 4 West and 2 West
4 East North is a 15-bed unit specializing in the care of the cardiac patient who requires telemetry monitoring. Nurses care for patients requiring diagnostic cardiac testing, cardiac catheterization and medical management of chest pain and heart failure. There is a clinical leader without a direct patient assignment to assist and support the staff during peak weekday shifts. Nurse to patient ratio averages 5:1. The average daily census is 13 with a length of stay averaging two to four days.
4 East South is a 20-bed unit for orthopedic, oncology and general medical-surgical patients. Nurses care for complex acute patients, whose average length of stay can range from three to five days. The average daily census is 18. A clinical leader without a direct patient assignment is available to assist and support staff during peak weekday shifts. Nursing staff are encouraged and supported to pursue advanced training and/or certification in their specialty. The average nurse to patient ratio is 5:1.
4 West is a 24-bed medical-surgical unit. Nurses care for patients who have undergone both open and laparoscopic abdominal surgeries such as: Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy, Colon Resection, Ostomies and several GU procedures. Medical patients on this unit tend to have a primary respiratory diagnosis. Our unit's specialty area is plastic surgery and includes a suite for recuperating patients. The average daily census is 18 with the average length of stay of two to four days. The model of care is an RN-LNA partnership. A clinical leader without a direct patient assignment is available to assist and support staff during peak weekday shifts. The average nurse to patient ratio is 5:1.
Critical Care Nursing
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a 10-bed unit intensive care unit specializing in the care of the critically ill patient. The nurses are highly skilled and competent in the care of complex surgical patients, patients needing IABP therapy, ventilator therapy, CCRT and those with complex dysrhythmias. The average daily census is seven to eight patients, having an average length of stay of three to four days. The unit strives for a 2:1 nurse-patient ratio.
Progressive Care Nursing
The Progressive Care Unit (PCU) is a 9-bed unit specializing in the care of patients requiring monitoring, nursing assessments and interventions approximately two hours. The nurses have advanced training in the care of cardiac, renal, pulmonary and surgical disease states. The average daily census is is seven to eight patients with a length of stay from three to four days. The average nurse-patient ratio is 3:1.
All inpatient units utilize professional and support staff to provide patient care. These units are fast paced and focus on excellence in clinical practice and awareness of professional issues. Nurses are expected to be reflective, critical thinkers and to search out opportunities for self-development, be willing to share strengths and expertise, and be involved in unit decision-making. Individual and team accountability for performance is emphasized to achieve success. This professional environment will stretch clinical, creative, and nursing leadership abilities.
Our collaborative practice model requires an interdisciplinary team comprised of representatives from Nursing, Social Work, Case Management, Food and Nutritional Services, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Professional Development Specialists, Rehabilitation staff and an Evidence Based Practice Committee. These colleagues are readily available on all units during the peak activity hours. Multi-disciplinary discharge rounds, a Nutritional Support team, Ethics Committee, Infection Control Committee and Pharmacy Therapeutic Committee maintain open lines of communication and provide staff an opportunity for involvement and development.
4 East North, 4 East South, 4 West and 2 West
4 East North is a 15-bed unit specializing in the care of the cardiac patient who requires telemetry monitoring. Nurses care for patients requiring diagnostic cardiac testing, cardiac catheterization and medical management of chest pain and heart failure. There is a clinical leader without a direct patient assignment to assist and support the staff during peak weekday shifts. Nurse to patient ratio averages 5:1. The average daily census is 13 with a length of stay averaging two to four days.
4 East South is a 20-bed unit for orthopedic, oncology and general medical-surgical patients. Nurses care for complex acute patients, whose average length of stay can range from three to five days. The average daily census is 18. A clinical leader without a direct patient assignment is available to assist and support staff during peak weekday shifts. Nursing staff are encouraged and supported to pursue advanced training and/or certification in their specialty. The average nurse to patient ratio is 5:1.
4 West is a 24-bed medical-surgical unit. Nurses care for patients who have undergone both open and laparoscopic abdominal surgeries such as: Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy, Colon Resection, Ostomies and several GU procedures. Medical patients on this unit tend to have a primary respiratory diagnosis. Our unit's specialty area is plastic surgery and includes a suite for recuperating patients. The average daily census is 18 with the average length of stay of two to four days. The model of care is an RN-LNA partnership. A clinical leader without a direct patient assignment is available to assist and support staff during peak weekday shifts. The average nurse to patient ratio is 5:1.
Critical Care Nursing
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a 10-bed unit intensive care unit specializing in the care of the critically ill patient. The nurses are highly skilled and competent in the care of complex surgical patients, patients needing IABP therapy, ventilator therapy, CCRT and those with complex dysrhythmias. The average daily census is seven to eight patients, having an average length of stay of three to four days. The unit strives for a 2:1 nurse-patient ratio.
Progressive Care Nursing
The Progressive Care Unit (PCU) is a 9-bed unit specializing in the care of patients requiring monitoring, nursing assessments and interventions approximately two hours. The nurses have advanced training in the care of cardiac, renal, pulmonary and surgical disease states. The average daily census is is seven to eight patients with a length of stay from three to four days. The average nurse-patient ratio is 3:1.
All inpatient units utilize professional and support staff to provide patient care. These units are fast paced and focus on excellence in clinical practice and awareness of professional issues. Nurses are expected to be reflective, critical thinkers and to search out opportunities for self-development, be willing to share strengths and expertise, and be involved in unit decision-making. Individual and team accountability for performance is emphasized to achieve success. This professional environment will stretch clinical, creative, and nursing leadership abilities.
Our collaborative practice model requires an interdisciplinary team comprised of representatives from Nursing, Social Work, Case Management, Food and Nutritional Services, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Professional Development Specialists, Rehabilitation staff and an Evidence Based Practice Committee. These colleagues are readily available on all units during the peak activity hours. Multi-disciplinary discharge rounds, a Nutritional Support team, Ethics Committee, Infection Control Committee and Pharmacy Therapeutic Committee maintain open lines of communication and provide staff an opportunity for involvement and development.
The Maternal Fetal Medicine program is affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital. The Center provides consultations and assessments with a Perinatologist and a Genetic Counselor. The Center is open on Tuesdays and the services provided include genetic counseling, level 2 ultrasounds, amniocentesis, genetic testing, preconception genetic counseling, and medical consults for high-risk pregnancies.
The Center for Reproductive Care is an infertility center affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital. The Center provides consultations and assessments with a Reproductive Endocrinologist, as well as coordinated and onsite timely evaluations, hysteroscopy and reproductive surgery. The Center is open seven days a week and ongoing services include: ovulation induction with gonadatropins, cycle monitoring including ultrasound and hormonal evaluation, intrauterine inseminations, and in vitro fertilization monitoring. Experienced staff also coordinate donor sperm and donor egg programs. The Center also offers patient education programs for injection administration, intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. The CRC nurses are always available to answer questions at the time of any visit.
The Family Center provides outpatient and inpatient services for obstetrical and pediatric patients in an acute care setting. The nursing staff is cross-trained to provide care to a diverse patient population from convalescent, premature infants and pediatric patients to complex labor patients. The philosophy of the Family Center emphasizes meeting the needs of the entire family in an environment which encourages participation in that care.
The Family Center is comprised of fifteen LDRP suites and a four bed pediatric unit, allowing private accommodations for patients and family members. Deliveries average 780 annually. Family Center nurses scrub and circulate for Cesarean Sections in the Family Center Operating Suite.
The Center for Reproductive Care is an infertility center affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital. The Center provides consultations and assessments with a Reproductive Endocrinologist, as well as coordinated and onsite timely evaluations, hysteroscopy and reproductive surgery. The Center is open seven days a week and ongoing services include: ovulation induction with gonadatropins, cycle monitoring including ultrasound and hormonal evaluation, intrauterine inseminations, and in vitro fertilization monitoring. Experienced staff also coordinate donor sperm and donor egg programs. The Center also offers patient education programs for injection administration, intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. The CRC nurses are always available to answer questions at the time of any visit.
The Family Center provides outpatient and inpatient services for obstetrical and pediatric patients in an acute care setting. The nursing staff is cross-trained to provide care to a diverse patient population from convalescent, premature infants and pediatric patients to complex labor patients. The philosophy of the Family Center emphasizes meeting the needs of the entire family in an environment which encourages participation in that care.
The Family Center is comprised of fifteen LDRP suites and a four bed pediatric unit, allowing private accommodations for patients and family members. Deliveries average 780 annually. Family Center nurses scrub and circulate for Cesarean Sections in the Family Center Operating Suite.
The Family Center offers a variety of services including a home visitation program designed to provide maternal-newborn nursing care in the home, prepared childbirth classes, and support and education groups. A universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program has recently been upgraded to the latest technology. Nurses in the Family Center are supported by a unit based Nurse Educator, and a lactation consultant who provides hands on support to breastfeeding women, provides staff education, and offers several breastfeeding classes to lactating and pregnant mothers and families. In addition, the unit participates in the universal bilirubin screening program for all newborns prior to discharge.
The Center for Breast Health is dedicated to the early detection of breast cancer and the promotion of breast health. The Women's Imaging staff have all received advanced certification in Mammography and the Center is credentialed by the American College of Radiology. The breast health nurse works collaboratively with radiologists, technologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians to assess and coordinate the unique needs of women with breast health concerns. The breast health nurse provides community, staff and patient education in accordance with the American Cancer Society's recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer. The center offers a full array of diagnostic capabilities including mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy, MRI and MRI-guided breast biopsy.
The Center for Cancer Care specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with variety of cancer and blood disorders. Every patient receives a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to care. Social service, nutritional therapy, physical therapy, hospice, and support groups are readily available for patients and their families. Special programs are also available for patients such as art therapy, Cancer Well-fit (an exercise program), Adventure Day, Cancer Survivors' Day Celebration and many more. The Center's staff is comprised of a multidisciplinary team that includes registered nurses, pharmacists, medical and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, PhD Physicist, medical dosimetrists, social workers, registered dieticians, medical technologists, secretaries, clinical nurse specialists, an art therapist and artist, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We also have a clinical trials program available for patients, coordinated by our Nurse Research Specialist and research assistant.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and laboratory services are all offered on site in the outpatient setting. Chemotherapy is prepared within the department, by a Pharm-D led pharmacy staff. We have a total of 13 patient treatment areas in Medical oncology. Patients who are ill or who have long infusions have the option of a more private space with a hospital bed. Certain patients may elect to have their treatments in our outdoor Zen garden, weather permitting.
The Radiation Oncology Department is equipped with the latest state of the art radiotherapy equipment available. It has a dedicated CT Simulator, a dual energy linear accelerator, offering 6mv and 18mv photons and 5 superficial electron energies.
Patient care is focused on wellness, treatment, and education. Professional staff are expected to seek opportunities for self-development, peer development, and to maintain a current knowledge of cancer treatments. All nurses are expected to become certified in oncology (OCN) within one year of hire.
Opportunities for involvement in community wellness programs abound, and clinical staff participate in the Cancer Committee, Tumor Board, Women's Wellness Clinics, fund raising activities, the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, attend various national conferences and the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and laboratory services are all offered on site in the outpatient setting. Chemotherapy is prepared within the department, by a Pharm-D led pharmacy staff. We have a total of 13 patient treatment areas in Medical oncology. Patients who are ill or who have long infusions have the option of a more private space with a hospital bed. Certain patients may elect to have their treatments in our outdoor Zen garden, weather permitting.
The Radiation Oncology Department is equipped with the latest state of the art radiotherapy equipment available. It has a dedicated CT Simulator, a dual energy linear accelerator, offering 6mv and 18mv photons and 5 superficial electron energies.
Patient care is focused on wellness, treatment, and education. Professional staff are expected to seek opportunities for self-development, peer development, and to maintain a current knowledge of cancer treatments. All nurses are expected to become certified in oncology (OCN) within one year of hire.
Opportunities for involvement in community wellness programs abound, and clinical staff participate in the Cancer Committee, Tumor Board, Women's Wellness Clinics, fund raising activities, the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, attend various national conferences and the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition.
Peri-operative Services are comprised of Pre-Admission Testing (PAT), Short Term Stay Unit (STS), Endoscopy Unit, Pain Services, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Inpatient Surgery Unit and Outpatient Surgery Unit.
Pre-Admission Testing nurses prepare an average of 950 patients each month for surgery. Nursing’s primary responsibilities include pre-operative assessment, education, and screening for referral services.
The Inpatient PACU is a 9-bed Pre-Op, Phase 1 and Phase 2 unit. Nurses are responsible for pre-procedure patient assessment and education, recovery, and preparing the patient for discharge to home or another facility.
The Inpatient Surgical Unit is comprised of four operating rooms. Surgeries performed include plastic/reconstructive, ENT, vascular, general, laparoscopic, orthopedic, urology, and OB/GYN. Nurses possess the necessary skills and competencies to assist and circulate for all types of surgeries.
The Outpatient Surgery Center (OSC), located in the Outpatient Care Center (OCC), provides safe, efficient, and family focused care to the community. It is comprised of 4 operating rooms and an admission and recovery facility. Patients cared for in this unit are able to be admitted and discharged on the same day of their procedure. Nurses working in a peri-operative environment are team focused and responsible for pre-, intra-, and post-operative care of their patients.
The Short Term Stay Unit is an admission and discharge unit for both surgical and medical patients undergoing operative and invasive procedures. Nurses are responsible for pre-procedure patient assessment and education, Phase II recovery, and preparing the patient for discharge to home or another facility. Medical outpatient services such as transfusions and infusions are also conducted on the Short Term Stay Unit.
The Pain Service, located in the Outpatient Care Center, is provided by the Department of Anesthesia. Nurses work in partnership with an anesthesiologist to assess, assist with procedures and educate patients. Patients seen often require an evaluation to determine functionality and assess the level and duration of pain. Treatment is individualized and may be a combination of modalities and medicationmanagement.
The Endoscopy Unit, located in the Outpatient Care Center, consists of four procedure rooms, an admission and recovery facility and one inpatient procedure room. Nurses in this unit assess and admit patients, administer moderate sedation, assist with procedures, provide Phase 2 recovery as well as discharge education to patients. It is a very fast paced, team-oriented atmosphere requiring diverse skills and competencies.
The Infusion Therapy Unit has four areas available for outpatient and inpatient transfusions. The nurses in this unit have a critical care background in order to provide support, education and administration of a variety of complex medication infusions.
Pre-Admission Testing nurses prepare an average of 950 patients each month for surgery. Nursing’s primary responsibilities include pre-operative assessment, education, and screening for referral services.
The Inpatient PACU is a 9-bed Pre-Op, Phase 1 and Phase 2 unit. Nurses are responsible for pre-procedure patient assessment and education, recovery, and preparing the patient for discharge to home or another facility.
The Inpatient Surgical Unit is comprised of four operating rooms. Surgeries performed include plastic/reconstructive, ENT, vascular, general, laparoscopic, orthopedic, urology, and OB/GYN. Nurses possess the necessary skills and competencies to assist and circulate for all types of surgeries.
The Outpatient Surgery Center (OSC), located in the Outpatient Care Center (OCC), provides safe, efficient, and family focused care to the community. It is comprised of 4 operating rooms and an admission and recovery facility. Patients cared for in this unit are able to be admitted and discharged on the same day of their procedure. Nurses working in a peri-operative environment are team focused and responsible for pre-, intra-, and post-operative care of their patients.
The Short Term Stay Unit is an admission and discharge unit for both surgical and medical patients undergoing operative and invasive procedures. Nurses are responsible for pre-procedure patient assessment and education, Phase II recovery, and preparing the patient for discharge to home or another facility. Medical outpatient services such as transfusions and infusions are also conducted on the Short Term Stay Unit.
The Pain Service, located in the Outpatient Care Center, is provided by the Department of Anesthesia. Nurses work in partnership with an anesthesiologist to assess, assist with procedures and educate patients. Patients seen often require an evaluation to determine functionality and assess the level and duration of pain. Treatment is individualized and may be a combination of modalities and medicationmanagement.
The Endoscopy Unit, located in the Outpatient Care Center, consists of four procedure rooms, an admission and recovery facility and one inpatient procedure room. Nurses in this unit assess and admit patients, administer moderate sedation, assist with procedures, provide Phase 2 recovery as well as discharge education to patients. It is a very fast paced, team-oriented atmosphere requiring diverse skills and competencies.
The Infusion Therapy Unit has four areas available for outpatient and inpatient transfusions. The nurses in this unit have a critical care background in order to provide support, education and administration of a variety of complex medication infusions.
The Center for Occupational and Employee Health (COEH) department provides comprehensive occupational health and safety services to employers and employees at two independent clinics and multiple company based health offices.
The efforts of COEH's multi-disciplinary team are designed to support the health and safety of the workforce. Our nurses possess a broad range of specialized knowledge and skills specific to the employee population. The team includes occupational health nurses, occupational medicine physicians, advanced practice nurses, safety specialists, social workers, medical assistants and administrative staff all working together to support the health needs of the employer/employee community. The primary goal is the prevention and management of both work and non-work related injury and illness.
Nurses at COEH work in company based health offices providing clinical, educational and consultation services. Success in the field of occupational health requires the following attributes: strong clinical, critical thinking and communication skills, creativity, knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and the ability to work independently in an atypical health care setting.
HealthReach Nurses work collaboratively as community based educators and across the continuum of care to provide a consistent message for prevention, early intervention, and management of disease. Community educators collaborate with physicians, area agencies, and E.H.R. programs in the prevention and early detection of disease and injury.
The HealthReach Diabetes, Endocrine & Nutrition Nurses provide evaluation and treatment for diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory therapy through individual consultations, group education, support groups, community education, fitness programs, and community outreach activities. The standards and guidelines for disease management practice are in accordance with program areas via protocol and department policies as well as entities such as the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, National Osteoporosis Foundation, NH Board of Nursing, NH Allied Health Board.
The Center for Wound Healing is dedicated to providing wound treatment, education, and support to patients with non-healing wounds. Our certified wound nurses work collaboratively with patients, families, physicians and other caregivers to develop an individualized treatment plan.
The Center provides patients with a physician and a certified wound nurse consultation, who then recommends an individualized treatment plan. The treatment plans may include specialized testing, wound debridement, conventional and advanced wound dressings, nutritional counseling, and other advanced modalities. Our certified nurses provide ongoing support and education at each at each consult and follow up visit. Our goals are to teach the patient about their disease process, how to manage it and prevent recurrence of ulcerations as well as to maximize the healing process.
Carelink Nurses provide after hours nurse triage service to patients. Telephone nurse triage in this alternative clinical setting, requires the ability to assess and develop a plan of care for a patient over the phone. Independent thinking and strong peer collaboration make this a rewarding practice setting.
The Mobile Medical coach provides community outreach programs to underserved areas. HealthReach Nurses participate in screenings, education and outreach activities on the coach, traveling to various senior centers and communities each week. Advanced practice nurses help to provide medical and preventive care to adults and children who are under- or un-insured. Outreach nurses help to provide primary and secondary prevention to at-risk populations.
The efforts of COEH's multi-disciplinary team are designed to support the health and safety of the workforce. Our nurses possess a broad range of specialized knowledge and skills specific to the employee population. The team includes occupational health nurses, occupational medicine physicians, advanced practice nurses, safety specialists, social workers, medical assistants and administrative staff all working together to support the health needs of the employer/employee community. The primary goal is the prevention and management of both work and non-work related injury and illness.
Nurses at COEH work in company based health offices providing clinical, educational and consultation services. Success in the field of occupational health requires the following attributes: strong clinical, critical thinking and communication skills, creativity, knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and the ability to work independently in an atypical health care setting.
HealthReach Nurses work collaboratively as community based educators and across the continuum of care to provide a consistent message for prevention, early intervention, and management of disease. Community educators collaborate with physicians, area agencies, and E.H.R. programs in the prevention and early detection of disease and injury.
The HealthReach Diabetes, Endocrine & Nutrition Nurses provide evaluation and treatment for diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory therapy through individual consultations, group education, support groups, community education, fitness programs, and community outreach activities. The standards and guidelines for disease management practice are in accordance with program areas via protocol and department policies as well as entities such as the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, National Osteoporosis Foundation, NH Board of Nursing, NH Allied Health Board.
The Center for Wound Healing is dedicated to providing wound treatment, education, and support to patients with non-healing wounds. Our certified wound nurses work collaboratively with patients, families, physicians and other caregivers to develop an individualized treatment plan.
The Center provides patients with a physician and a certified wound nurse consultation, who then recommends an individualized treatment plan. The treatment plans may include specialized testing, wound debridement, conventional and advanced wound dressings, nutritional counseling, and other advanced modalities. Our certified nurses provide ongoing support and education at each at each consult and follow up visit. Our goals are to teach the patient about their disease process, how to manage it and prevent recurrence of ulcerations as well as to maximize the healing process.
Carelink Nurses provide after hours nurse triage service to patients. Telephone nurse triage in this alternative clinical setting, requires the ability to assess and develop a plan of care for a patient over the phone. Independent thinking and strong peer collaboration make this a rewarding practice setting.
The Mobile Medical coach provides community outreach programs to underserved areas. HealthReach Nurses participate in screenings, education and outreach activities on the coach, traveling to various senior centers and communities each week. Advanced practice nurses help to provide medical and preventive care to adults and children who are under- or un-insured. Outreach nurses help to provide primary and secondary prevention to at-risk populations.
Staff Health Services at Exeter Hospital provide healthcare in the work environment. The department is staffed by Occupational Health Nurses, an advanced practice nurse and support staff. The scope and complexity of services include workers compensation administration, tracking, reporting, surveillance programs and case management activities. In addition we provide immunizations, wellness and injury prevention, pre-placement health screens and physicals, fitness for duty evaluations and worksite ergonomic assessments. The department services an average of 400 employees each month.
Professional Development Specialists (PDS) are a diverse group of nurses who serve as educators, change agents, facilitators, consultants and researchers using the ANA's Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development as a basis for our practice. There are unit based development specialists in the Family Center, Emergency Department, and Operating Room. Other Development Specialists facilitate nursing orientation, new graduate integration, critical care / specialty training and competency programs. Our staff also serves on a variety of hospital committees and participates in a wide variety of quality initiatives. Adjunct staff includes an administrative assistant and IS support. A Staff Education Specialist is responsible for all BCLS, ACLS, PALS, etc., as well as collaborating with the Safety Department to support specific training initiatives.
Nursing Case Managers facilitate the continuum of care by helping patients navigate through their hospitalization and receive appropriate post discharge services, e.g. visiting nurse services, specialized equipment upon discharge, placement in skilled nursing facilities or acute rehabilitation hospitals. Case managers also integrate clinical and management skills with financial accountability to ensure that health care resources remain accessible, available and cost effective. Appropriate matching of client needs and available resources is a critical element of Nursing Case Management.
Utilization Review Nurses act as a liaison between the insurance payors and the hospital. He/she must have a solid understanding of insurance contracts and expertise in determining which level of care is consistent with a patient's clinical presentation. Utilization review works in tandem with case management in terms of communication and coordination of care to maximize the most efficient use of a patient's insurance benefit.
Nurses in the Quality Division are dedicated to the concept of total quality and constantly strive for excellence and continuous improvement. This is accomplished through on-going performance evaluation, using the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) model, to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of all care within the system. Improvements are interdisciplinary, data-driven and outcome oriented. Areas of specific focus include risk management, patient safety, infection control, patient satisfaction and adherence to Joint Commission standards throughout the organization. Our focus is on Excellence through Service, linking leadership with all management functions, from planning and implementing policies, new technologies and new facilities through ongoing cycles of evaluation and improvement with unhindered communications at all levels.
Nursing Informatics is a service driven department with a wide scope of responsibility. Various types of Information Technology professionals are necessary to deliver appropriate services to match our internal customers' needs. Along with Helpdesk Staff, Analysts and Network Administrators, Registered Nurses fill an important role and bring three sciences together: computer technology, information and nursing. Nurses analyze workflow of various disciplines, receive training in software applications and apply their knowledge to construct tools for other care givers to utilize in their care delivery process. Patient safety is the primary objective, and by streamlining clinical information systems, all departments throughout the organization benefit. Examples include legible and timely access to critical information, the reduction of redundant data collection and the enhancement of patient education by allowing more time with patients. The outcomes are rewarding and serve as building blocks toward effectively using technology to deliver safer and better patient care at Exeter Hospital.
Professional Development Specialists (PDS) are a diverse group of nurses who serve as educators, change agents, facilitators, consultants and researchers using the ANA's Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development as a basis for our practice. There are unit based development specialists in the Family Center, Emergency Department, and Operating Room. Other Development Specialists facilitate nursing orientation, new graduate integration, critical care / specialty training and competency programs. Our staff also serves on a variety of hospital committees and participates in a wide variety of quality initiatives. Adjunct staff includes an administrative assistant and IS support. A Staff Education Specialist is responsible for all BCLS, ACLS, PALS, etc., as well as collaborating with the Safety Department to support specific training initiatives.
Nursing Case Managers facilitate the continuum of care by helping patients navigate through their hospitalization and receive appropriate post discharge services, e.g. visiting nurse services, specialized equipment upon discharge, placement in skilled nursing facilities or acute rehabilitation hospitals. Case managers also integrate clinical and management skills with financial accountability to ensure that health care resources remain accessible, available and cost effective. Appropriate matching of client needs and available resources is a critical element of Nursing Case Management.
Utilization Review Nurses act as a liaison between the insurance payors and the hospital. He/she must have a solid understanding of insurance contracts and expertise in determining which level of care is consistent with a patient's clinical presentation. Utilization review works in tandem with case management in terms of communication and coordination of care to maximize the most efficient use of a patient's insurance benefit.
Nurses in the Quality Division are dedicated to the concept of total quality and constantly strive for excellence and continuous improvement. This is accomplished through on-going performance evaluation, using the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) model, to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of all care within the system. Improvements are interdisciplinary, data-driven and outcome oriented. Areas of specific focus include risk management, patient safety, infection control, patient satisfaction and adherence to Joint Commission standards throughout the organization. Our focus is on Excellence through Service, linking leadership with all management functions, from planning and implementing policies, new technologies and new facilities through ongoing cycles of evaluation and improvement with unhindered communications at all levels.
Nursing Informatics is a service driven department with a wide scope of responsibility. Various types of Information Technology professionals are necessary to deliver appropriate services to match our internal customers' needs. Along with Helpdesk Staff, Analysts and Network Administrators, Registered Nurses fill an important role and bring three sciences together: computer technology, information and nursing. Nurses analyze workflow of various disciplines, receive training in software applications and apply their knowledge to construct tools for other care givers to utilize in their care delivery process. Patient safety is the primary objective, and by streamlining clinical information systems, all departments throughout the organization benefit. Examples include legible and timely access to critical information, the reduction of redundant data collection and the enhancement of patient education by allowing more time with patients. The outcomes are rewarding and serve as building blocks toward effectively using technology to deliver safer and better patient care at Exeter Hospital.
