Silly SNF/Subacute Question

[Angeljho, MSN, NP]

I just need clarification.. I understand that some LTC facilities are broken up into different units like a ventilator unit and so on.. But is sub-acute care counted as its own unit in LTC?

I guess I'm asking if it's possible to work at a LTC facility but only on a sub-acute unit? I'm sorry if it's a dumb question. I see some people posting "I work in a SNF/Sub-acute/Rehab/etc facility" and I don't understand if all these units are broken up or united.

[caliotter3]

The facilities where I worked that had subacute units had personnel who only worked in the subacute units and the subacute unit was distinct from the rest of the facility.

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

Where I work we have two sub acute units that are staffed by all RNs or an RN/LPN team with the RN being in charge. One of our sub-acute units consist entirely of vented (those who not good candidates for weaning) and the other is for vent weaning/trach residents. Some of our other residents who would be consider sub-acute...TBI with trachs and GTs...rehab residents are mixed in on the general floors with the traditional elderly LTC population. It depends on the facility.

[Rainmaker RN]

Subacute is a higher acuity than most typical SNF units. In California, Subacute units are licensed as Skilled Nursing Facilities, but they have more stringent staffing requirements under Title 22. Our contract with the state says that staff assigned to Subacute cannot have additional responsibilities during the shift on any other unit.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Skilled and LTC and Sub-acute are defined by the State in which you live. Some of the same personnel may be employed in these areas, but they are distinct and defined by the type of patient they admit and the care that is provided.

[agooseyrn]

At the LTC facility I work at, every bed is SNF certified. I see this as being a benefit to patients who return from the hospital and are put back in their own rooms. It greatly reduces the displacement delirium seen after hospital stays.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Most SNFs in my area have at least one subacute unit, and at least one long term care unit.