Patient Populations: Adult patients with lung diseases and complex medical problems. Patient populations include: COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, cystic fibrosis, slow-to-wean ventilator patients, BiPAP/CPAP therapy, tracheostomy, neuro-muscular disorders and patients who need less than intensive care, but more care than provided on acute medical/surgical unit.

Unit Information: Each bed has cardiac, oximetry, and pressure line monitoring capabilities. 4 rooms have negative flow isolation. Nurses work 8 and 12 hour shifts and participate in self-scheduling. Staff is trained in cardiac monitoring, pressure line monitoring, and ventilator management. Nurses serve as preceptors for new staff and nursing students. Orientation includes 1 week central orientation, divisional classroom orientation, and 6 weeks training on the unit.

The team includes the patient/family, nurse, nursing assistant, social services, respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapy, dietary, pharmacy services, and the medical team.

Location: 7th floor, John Colloton Pavilion West