What to expect in a subintensive care unit

Here are some other names for this type of unit: Step-down, Progressive Care, or Intermediate care. (These are the names that are used in my area.) I work on a Cardiac/Progressive Care Unit. This is the criteria for our PCU:
Post PCI with intervention (heart cath with stents)
Cardiac Vasoactive/Antiarrhythmic IV meds

• Amiodarone
• Atropine IVP
• Angiomax
• Diltiazem
• Dobutamine
• Dopamine
• Integrillin
• Enalipril IVP
• Furosemide
• Lidocaine
• Metoprolol IVP
• Nicardipine
• Nitroglycerin
• Esmolol
• Labetalol

Cardiovascular:

• Patients who are at risk for atrial/ventricular arrhythmias or who are being evaluated for possible MI when no Med-tele bed is available
• Titrating single infusions on the above listed medications with the exception of the following meds that can run simultaneously (Cardizem and Amioderone), (Lasix with Dobutamine or Dopamine)

Respiratory:

• Compromised respiratory function that requires continuous supportive interventions every 2-4 hours
• No mechanical ventilated patient may be admitted to the step down unit at this time
• Long term tracheostomy patients requiring suctioning no more than Q2H
• Respiratory treatments Q2-4H
• Bipap patients requiring bipap >8H a day

Metabolic

• I /O requiring Q2-4 hour measurement on a continuous basis
• Insulin infusions

Nursing Care

• Vital signs Q4H or physical assessment more frequently than once a shift
• Post op Day #1 Cardiovascular OR patients (open-heart patients)
• Post op Day #1 Thoracic surgical patients
• Patients requiring transvenous temporary pacing

Discharge/Transferring Criteria:

• Patients will be transferred off the PCU when they no longer meet the higher level of care as explained in the criteria.

The patient population is usually a mixed bag. I have learned so much, and I bet you will too! Good Luck!