Neuroscience Intermediate Unit (6JC) at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
October 2023
Neuroscience Intermediate Unit (6JC)
at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Iowa City
,
IA
United States
6JC is an intermediate unit caring for neurology and neurosurgical patients. As Iowa’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, 6JC provides care to Iowa’s most critical stroke patients as well as patients requiring specialized neurosurgery care. The staff on 6JC demonstrate specialized care and skill sets required to care for these unique patients. It is a team effort led by nurses working across multiple disciplines, including physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, social services, and care coordination. In addition, 6JC works in conjunction with rec services, music therapy, pet therapy, volunteers, and spiritual services.
Each one of these roles plays an integral part in the care of neuroscience patients. 6JC’s “project” is to change medicine and change lives of neuroscience patients by providing specialized and exceptional care to patients and valuing the healthcare team.
6JC has a motto, “6JC for life,” and not only does it include multiple registered nurses who have been on the unit for 29+ years, 6JC also has three Nursing unit clerks (NUC) who have worked on 6JCP for a combined 42 years (range 7-19 years). Three nursing care coordinators have been on 6JC for a combined 56 years (range 9-28 years), and four primary PT and OT staff have been on 6JC for 82 years (range 15-27). The longevity on 6JC is impressive. 60% of recent hires were nursing assistants/PCTs on 6JC before they transitioned to their new role.
These numbers are striking, but what makes 6JC extraordinary is the teamwork required to care for patients. At any given time, a high percentage of our patients require assistance of two, or more, for even basic ADLs. 6JC cannot function without working together. 6JC had a staff member from environmental services join the team as Patient Care Technician (PCT). She noticed how 6JC worked so well together as a team and wanted to be part of it.
The 6JC team not only works together well professionally but also personally. 6JC is a family. One of 6JC’s PCTs will make time to write out birthday cards for each staff member and place them by the staffing board so the staff receives the birthday card when they arrive to work.
When one of the team has a death in the family, they are sent bereavement cards signed by the team. 6JC’s NUC will set the cards out for everyone to sign and then the card is given to the team member. Recently, someone’s mother passed away, and they said the bereavement card they received from 6JC meant more than they would ever know. Of course, there are the outside activities: holiday parties, book club, weddings, Sunday night dinner after work, etc. All this forms a camaraderie that strengthens bonds with each other.
A few examples of 6JC’s wonderful teamwork include the following:
6JC had an extended stay patient on 6JC for 1500 days. It was an exceptional case, unique to the unit and the institution. This patient had no family, no belongings, nothing. All 6JC staff took care of this patient while on the unit. This patient became part of the unit’s family. During this time, staff provided the patient with clothes, electronics, personalized therapy, and holiday gifts. He was nurtured and provided interventions until he was safe and ready to be successfully discharged to a group home.
6JC had a patient with an acute spinal cord injury. His fiancé’s birthday was coming up and the patient was saddened about not being able to celebrate. 6JC staff set up a surprise birthday party for the fiancé in the family lounge. There was favorite food, wickless candles, signs, decorations, and gifts. I can say I am not sure I have ever been prouder to be a part of this team than I was when I saw the patient's and the fiancé's faces when the surprise was revealed. There were many tears. This couple eventually married, and I know that “normal” slices of life while he was an inpatient here gave them hope for a happy marriage after a devastating injury. He later wrote, “I can’t imagine getting here (Being able to mentally and physically progress through rehab) without every one of you (on 6 JC). Thank you.”
These are big examples, but each and every day, all members of this team go above and beyond. I can’t think of a group of people who are more deserving of this award than the whole 6JC team.
Each one of these roles plays an integral part in the care of neuroscience patients. 6JC’s “project” is to change medicine and change lives of neuroscience patients by providing specialized and exceptional care to patients and valuing the healthcare team.
6JC has a motto, “6JC for life,” and not only does it include multiple registered nurses who have been on the unit for 29+ years, 6JC also has three Nursing unit clerks (NUC) who have worked on 6JCP for a combined 42 years (range 7-19 years). Three nursing care coordinators have been on 6JC for a combined 56 years (range 9-28 years), and four primary PT and OT staff have been on 6JC for 82 years (range 15-27). The longevity on 6JC is impressive. 60% of recent hires were nursing assistants/PCTs on 6JC before they transitioned to their new role.
These numbers are striking, but what makes 6JC extraordinary is the teamwork required to care for patients. At any given time, a high percentage of our patients require assistance of two, or more, for even basic ADLs. 6JC cannot function without working together. 6JC had a staff member from environmental services join the team as Patient Care Technician (PCT). She noticed how 6JC worked so well together as a team and wanted to be part of it.
The 6JC team not only works together well professionally but also personally. 6JC is a family. One of 6JC’s PCTs will make time to write out birthday cards for each staff member and place them by the staffing board so the staff receives the birthday card when they arrive to work.
When one of the team has a death in the family, they are sent bereavement cards signed by the team. 6JC’s NUC will set the cards out for everyone to sign and then the card is given to the team member. Recently, someone’s mother passed away, and they said the bereavement card they received from 6JC meant more than they would ever know. Of course, there are the outside activities: holiday parties, book club, weddings, Sunday night dinner after work, etc. All this forms a camaraderie that strengthens bonds with each other.
A few examples of 6JC’s wonderful teamwork include the following:
6JC had an extended stay patient on 6JC for 1500 days. It was an exceptional case, unique to the unit and the institution. This patient had no family, no belongings, nothing. All 6JC staff took care of this patient while on the unit. This patient became part of the unit’s family. During this time, staff provided the patient with clothes, electronics, personalized therapy, and holiday gifts. He was nurtured and provided interventions until he was safe and ready to be successfully discharged to a group home.
6JC had a patient with an acute spinal cord injury. His fiancé’s birthday was coming up and the patient was saddened about not being able to celebrate. 6JC staff set up a surprise birthday party for the fiancé in the family lounge. There was favorite food, wickless candles, signs, decorations, and gifts. I can say I am not sure I have ever been prouder to be a part of this team than I was when I saw the patient's and the fiancé's faces when the surprise was revealed. There were many tears. This couple eventually married, and I know that “normal” slices of life while he was an inpatient here gave them hope for a happy marriage after a devastating injury. He later wrote, “I can’t imagine getting here (Being able to mentally and physically progress through rehab) without every one of you (on 6 JC). Thank you.”
These are big examples, but each and every day, all members of this team go above and beyond. I can’t think of a group of people who are more deserving of this award than the whole 6JC team.