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Nursing Care - December '07
Quality nursing care provides increased chance for a full recovery
Kristin Calkins, RN
A traumatic injury can be devastating, but with university-quality care, a full recovery is often possible. At The University of Toledo Medical Center, nurses work closely with physicians to ensure patients are closely followed throughout their hospital stay and rehabilitation.
According to Kristin Calkins, RN, trauma program manager at UT Medical Center, it is important trauma patients get evaluated as soon as possible. “When patients come in for trauma, the first thing we think about is what we can do to get them back to their normal life,” she says.
Level I Trauma Center
The UT Medical Center is considered a Level I Trauma Center, which means it is able to handle even the most serious types of traumatic injuries. “Every three years we go through a verification process with the American College of Surgeons,” says Ms. Calkins. The verification involves meeting specific criteria and undergoing a thorough evaluation of the facility and staff.
Rehabilitation goals
An important component of getting trauma patients back to their baseline is the rehabilitation that follows inpatient treatment. “We explain to patients that rehabilitation is a stepping stone between their hospital inpatient stay and home,” says Ms. Calkins. “Our goal is to get the maximum amount of rehab available for each patient prior to returning home.”
The first step is determining which patients are candidates for an acute rehabilitation program. “Although not every patient is appropriate for inpatient rehab there are other options such as outpatient rehab, a skilled nursing facility or physical and occupational therapy at home. Trauma services involves the rehab physicians and therapists early on to help determine if the patient is a candidate and follows the patient through the process to make suggestions and recommendations,” says Ms. Calkins. “Sometimes patients end up going home and begin a physical rehab program at a later time.”
The role of nurses
Rehabilitation services typically involve care from physical, speech and occupational therapists, as well as physicians, nurses and other medical specialists. Nurses are a particularly important part of the care team because they are patient advocates. Physicians also rely on nurses for their input on how the patients are doing and what their needs are. “As nurses we communicate with all services involved to provide our patients with optimal care,” says Ms. Calkins.
Patients also receive follow-up care from the nursing staff after rehabilitation. “They return to the Trauma clinic for post hospital follow up care.” says Ms. Calkins. “During the follow up visit, we assess their progression and any further needs that may have occurred since their hospital stay. This may include further rehab services, medicine and or other sub-specialty service consults.
A team approach
At the UT Medical Center, a team approach helps improve patients’ chances at making full recoveries. “We hold a multi-disciplinary conference every week in which we discuss all of the patients’ needs and what we need to do to progress the patient towards a safe discharge,” says Ms. Calkins. “This group involves many services such as physicians, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and social services.” This multi-disciplinary group helps us provide the best care to our patients.
To experience the commitment and quality of UTMC nurses first-hand, make an appointment by calling 877-451-2299.
