How does your ED address the Observation Unit?

[RAWells61]

In my ED, when a patient is admitted for a observation admit (also sometimes called a 23 hour hold) they are admitted to an inpatient unit specifically designated as such. The key here is that it is an inpatient unit. The charting is different, the way that the meds are obtained is different, the way that labs are done is different; everything is different.

The issue is that this inpatient unit is considered part of our ED and as such we are rotated to it on a semi-regular basis. We are told that this is a common practice. Is this how it is done at other hospitals? I HATE rotating to this unit, even for a single shift. However, if it is common practice, I will swallow my dislike and be a good soldier. Thank you for your input.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Where I work the ED and the observation unit are two separate units...they're not even connected together. The ED has their own staff and same with the obsv unit.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

We say "Hello, Observation Unit, this is the ED..." ba dum tss!

But seriously, in my hospital, patients admitted on obs status are admitted to the Med/Surg unit.