Definitive Observation Department-Dignity Health

[newgradrnneedshelp]

Hi I am a new grad that got offered a position at a definitive observation department at a Dignity Health Hospital.

I've been trying to find a description of the unit but cannot. My question is what is the definitive observation unit (DOU) all about?

some sources said it's either:

1. an extension of ER where patients wait to see which floor they get assigned to

2. Step-down ICU

3. Similar to tele

What is DOU exactly? what is like working there? What is the patient population? Thank you

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You should probably call HR and talk to them. They are going to be your best resource in this case. Good luck and congrats on the offer.

[JKL33]

Generally this would be a unit where patients are admitted on "observation" (not full inpatient) status to see whether their condition will improve so that they can be discharged or will begin to look more like they are going to qualify for full inpatient admission - at which point they are admitted to an inpatient bed.

This helps prevent backlogs in EDs where patients are being observed for longer periods of time to see whether they're going to be able to be discharged or not, and prevents observation patients from occupying an inpatient bed.

Agree w/ Pixie, though, best to get the scoop from HR.

[JKL33]

Forget what I wrote earlier!! I was thinking of a Clinical Decision Unit/CDU, which is what I described but is not at all the same thing as Definitive Observation Unit/DOU. If you google, you'll get a better idea.

I thought Pixie's reply was curious....guess that should've been my first clue.

Geez. Sorry about the misinformation.