Pediatric Cardiac Step Down

Pediatric Cardiac Step Down

Pediatric Cardiac Step Down (PCSD) is a 14 bedded mixed gender unit providing cardiac care for pediatric patients 24 hours / 7 days a week. The patient population ranges from neonates to 14 years of age. The unit is designed to manage and deliver care to patients with congenital heart defects requiring medical treatment, pre, and post-cardiac catheterization, and pre and post-surgical patients. This may include any treatment deemed necessary for the well-being and completion of care for the pediatric cardiac patient.​

Patient Population: Neonates & Pediatrics up to 14 years. Mixed Gender

Hours of Operation: 24/7

No of Beds: 14

Occupancy Rate: 100%

Staff Categories: Nurse Manager, Clinical Resource Nurse, Nurse Coordinator, Staff Nurse I & II, Patient Care Technician.

Primary Diagnosis:

Multiple / Complex Congenital Cardiac Anomalies for :

• Diagnostic procedures
• Surgical procedures
• Medical management of cardiac patients
• Post-surgical procedures requiring HDU level care

Primary procedures:

• Continuous Cardiac Monitoring and Dysrhythmia interpretation

• Hemodynamic monitoring – CVP and ART line
• Diagnostic procedure includes Electrophysiology studies and ECHO
• Central and peripheral IV line management
• Non-invasive Ventilation – CPAP
• Administration of Inotropes
• Post-Operative Cardiac Surgery – Day 1 post-operative care
• Post Interventional Cardiac Catheterization – HDU care
• Management of post-operative drains and wound care
• Management of artificial airways, tracheotomy management
• Pacemaker Management
• TPN Administration
• Prostaglandin Administration
• Management of patient with Chylothorax

Model of Nursing Care:

Total Patient Care in conjunction with the Partnership Model of Care