At MUHC our committment to care begins with a committment to our nurses. We believe our nurses belong at the bedside with our patients, so we have some special programs designed to keep them at the bedside and to relieve them of those "other" duties that could take them away.

For example, our Hospitality Coordinators round regularly to assure that patients have adequate food, water, ice and comfort needs met such as a blanket or slippers. They help with making phone calls, transporting patients for discharge and just about anything that helps us provide that "little extra" for our patients.

Our STAT Nurse Team helps with special procedures and situations that require the presence of a nurse in locations other than the inpatient units, such as radiology. These ICU qualified RN's transport and monitor critically ill patients, act as a second nurse for Class I traumas, provide and monitor conscious sedation, assist with bedside procedures such as intubations and central line placements, and respond to Code Blue situations.

The Tiger Team provides rapid response in situations where patients exhibit signs and symptoms of physiological instability and deterioration that may occur prior to cardiac arrest. Respiratory therapists, a STAT or ICU nurse and House Manager are available to assess the situation, make recommendations and assist staff in resolving the problem in an efficient and non threatening manner. Any person concerned about the condition of the patient can activate the Tiger Team.

Even with support, sometimes difficult situations can be overwhelming to nurses. Their favorite patient dies, and unexpected adverse event occurs or even an injury to a patient or staff member. Our forYOU Team help our health care team members understand the situation and work through feelings of fear, anger or hurt. The team is trained in critical incident stress management and is available 24/7 to provide a "safe zone" for expression of thoughts and reactions that enhance coping. They provide one-on-one peer support when difficulties occur.