The Transitional Care Unit provides a range of integrated services in a controlled environment for patients who are medically stable but who continue to require nursing care to recover from an episode of acute illness, or who require management of chronic illness until appropriate placement in the community is achieved. The TCU offers a very unique practice setting for nurses. The organizational structure is based on collaborative practice whereby Medicine, Nursing, and Social Services participate equally in decision making and governance of the unit. A clinical team consisting of a physician, outcome managers, and social workers work directly with the TCU Nursing Staff to plan the patients' care and expedite discharge. A unit-based physical therapist and registered dietician also round out the interdisciplinary approach to managed care.
Staff nurses are an integral part of the team and lead patient care conferences and patient rounds.
Staffing levels of the TCU are determined by the patients' physical, psychosocial, and economic needs as opposed to acuity level alone. Personnel skill mix consists of RNs, LPNs, and Patient Care Assistants. A six week orientation program is provided and is tailored to the individual needs of the new employee.