Progressive Care Unit

[Erica Renee]

Is there anyone here who has worked on a progressive care unit that could share their experience? I have only heard bad things and I'm hoping someone out there has a positive perspective! 

[RNperdiem, RN]

Is the progressive care the same as intermediate care?

If so, this unit has its positives. Unlike the floor, you have 3 patients (depending on where you work). When I worked the floor, I had to split care among 6 patients. Intermediate care patients are monitored, so if they are not doing well, you have advance warning of uncontrolled a-fib, low oxygen saturation, etc. The skills you learn here are transferrable to ICU and other units. 

The patient turnover can be fast as patients move out to the floor and former ICU patients take their place. IV skills are big, since in intermediate care, central lines are removed, foley catheters come out. The patients are often well enough to use the call bell to make needs known.