Location: 3 John Pappajohn West

Unit description: 23 beds

Patient populations: Otolaryngology/head and neck, ophthalmology, oral surgery, and plastics.

Services/treatments offered: Surgical procedures include head and neck oncology, facial trauma, neurology, skull base ear surgery, salivary gland conditions, infectious processes involving the head and neck, and patients requiring surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnea, eye, plastic, and oral reconstructive surgeries.

Awards and distinctions: Department of Otolaryngology ranked second and Department of Ophthalmology ranked sixth in US News & World Report.

Other information about the unit: A typical day is very busy with post-op admissions and discharge planning, and working with the interdisciplinary team, with a heavy emphasis on patient education. There is a part-time head and neck care coordinator based on the unit. The head and neck oncology patients offer a challenge to multiple aspects of nursing care. Learning opportunities include the specialized skills of airway management and wound and microvascular flap care. Psychosocial skills are also very important in assisting patients who are unable to speak, coping with body image changes, or in need of listener support. There is an active multi-disciplinary team that meets weekly. A unit committee coordinates staff self-scheduling. There are many opportunities for staff to be involved in committee work. Many staff have their certification in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Nursing.