IPU?

[dxbtocvg]

Hello all,

Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is an IPU?

My educated guess is that it is an 'In Patient Unit' but correct me if i am wrong.

I am looking to work in an LTC which also staffs and IPU, and I am wanting to know what kind of work is involved in that IPU?

Does it have a certain type of patient, ie geriatric /elederly/ortho-neuro etc or is it more along the lines of chronic care or LTAC facilities

thanks in advance for any feedback!

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

At my hospital, it means Interim Placement Unit. It's basically an overflow unit. Kids are moved from ICU/NICU down to IPU in order to make room for more critical cases in ICU. Vitals need to be done at least q4, although some cases it's only q shift or on the other end of the spectrum, every half hour.

I have NO idea what an IPU would function as, in terms of LTC. Is it an LTAC, maybe? Like a staging area till a room is ready?