Location: 3 John Pappajohn East

Unit description: 21 beds

Patient populations: This unit provides care to: post-surgical patients with thoracic cancers to include the lung, esophagus and related structures, post-surgical gynecologic patients with cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vulva, fallopian tubes, or urogenital system, as well as, individuals receiving chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or having disease-related complications. In addition, the unit also serves a small number of benign gynecology and thoracic patients.

Services/treatments offered: Patients under the care of this unit may undergo diagnostic work-ups, surgical resection, chemotherapy, intra-cavitary radiation therapy, palliative care, pain management, and participate in research protocols. The unit houses the only three lead-lined rooms in the hospital for use in care of brachytherapy patients.

The 3JPE staff includes registered nurses and nursing assistants with on-unit multi-disciplinary support of physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and care coordination.

Awards and distinctions: The unit has some OCN certified nurses as well as those who are pursing certification.

Other information about the unit: A typical day on 3JPE includes care for post-operative and occasionally chemotherapy patient admissions. Due to a large surgical population, there is a substantial need for ADL assistance as well as assistance with walking, repositioning, etc. The brachytherapy population is technically unique, and the staff is specially trained to care for these patients. All nursing staff is chemotherapy and EKG certified. Learning opportunities include technical skill development while working with central lines and implanted ports, chemotherapy administration, chest tube care, EKG monitoring, major dressing changes, and working with a variety of tubes and drains. Professional development of psychosocial skills includes listening, educating and counseling patients and families, providing emotional support, and assisting with terminal care, and discharge planning. Working on 3JPE promotes collaboration with a variety of health care providers and an active multi-disciplinary team meets weekly for each service.

Unit opportunities include patient education projects, committee work, and increased input into unit-based decision-making. Staff members participate in self-scheduling for a mix of 8 and 12-hour shifts. The friendly and experienced nursing and clerical staff demonstrate a caring and professional atmosphere for all of their patients.