In the CSIU, all patients are cardiac monitored with telemetry, and nurses receive additional training on rhythm analysis and caring for these complex patients when they take the Advanced Assessment Course. Staff develop expertise in rehabilitation, temporary pacing, and caring for long-term ventricular assist device (VAD) patients. CSIU nurses administer some medications and perform skills not done on other wards, which facilitates patient flow and prevents some readmissions to the ICU. Staff support the continuous improvement of the care of cardiac patients through participation in research and development of unit processes such as the Pre-op Walking Program.
CSIU has a long history of being ‘a team player’ and being flexible in adapting to meet the changing needs of the program, the hospital and cardiac patients throughout Manitoba. Examples include caring for pre-op patients from other facilities or from the cardiology unit, which assists in flow of patients out of emergency to receive the cardiac care they require. This was also demonstrated during COVID with the re-location of the Patient Recovery Unit (PRU) to CSIU and a whole new set of patients, skills and flow for staff to learn. The TAVI program has evolved significantly since its inception as experience and comfort of the team increases. CSIU has adapted along with them, with patients now coming directly to CSIU from Y2 after their TAVI instead of spending a night in an ICU setting. In keeping with our culture of adaptation and supporting change, CSIU is currently reviewing and investigating other potential patient care opportunities. Stayed tuned to see what we can accomplish next!
