Registered Nurse

The Med Surg 2, Med Surg/Peds unit specializes in adult female medical-surgical care, excluding patients with highly communicable infectious diseases due to its proximity to the Postpartum and NICU units. It can also accommodate select pediatric cases when appropriate. The unit shares physical space with Postpartum, typically housing six patients on each side with separate care teams, though MS2 can expand to 9–12 beds if Postpartum does not require the extra space. The average census is around six patients, and the unit commonly cares for adult female patients with medical, cardiac, stroke (non-TNK/ICU-level), and gynecological surgical needs. Pediatric patients may include ENT post-procedures, respiratory conditions like RSV, post-op surgicals, bilirubinemia, and feeding or temperature regulation cases. Psych or impulsive patients who may pose a risk to new mothers or infants are not admitted. Nurse-to-patient ratios range from 3–5, with assignments capped at three when pediatric patients are included; NA ratios follow a similar structure. All RNs and CNAs must have BLS within 30 days of hire, with RNs also needing ACLS and NIHSS before completing orientation, EKG within three months, and pediatric cross-training within six months. PALS, ultrasound IV competency, and certifications are considered beneficial but can be obtained post-hire. The average patient stay is 2–3 days. The unit benefits from lower PPE requirements due to infection restrictions and may have lighter assignments compared to other MS units. It is the only inpatient department at AMCK that can care for pediatric patients, offering a unique variety for staff. Additionally, the shared space with Postpartum allows staff to experience the presence of newborns. The unit seeks RNs with prior experience who are flexible and comfortable caring for both adult and pediatric patients. New hires must complete pediatric cross-training within six months if not already experienced.