For Nurses

Progressive Care Unit

This unit cares for medical/surgical patients on telemetry, and ventilator-dependent patients, with a patient population from 18 years through geriatrics. The predominant patient population includes pulmonary patients who are hemodynamically stable; patients with unstable cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, rule-out MI, acute coronary syndrome and heart failure; and surgical patients with unstable arrhythmias. The patient population consists of medical and surgical patients requiring telemetry or administration of vasoactive medication, cardiac medications, and tracheal ventilator-dependent patients. The focus is on ensuring a smooth transition for patients from the hospital to their homes or to a residential care facility.

Find out what Ann McCarthy says about working in the Progressive Care Unit.

Ann McCarthy

Ann McCarthy, BSN
Day Charge Nurse

Background

I received my RN from St. Joseph's College of Nursing in Syracuse, NY, and my BSN from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. I joined the team at Highland after 19 years of both hospital and long-term care nursing experience.

Time at Highland Hospital

Two very enjoyable years. Highland's a real community. Co-workers from other floors and units know you and care about you. I like that a lot.

Career Path at Highland Hospital

I've been the Day Charge Nurse on the Progressive Care Unit since I was hired.

My Dominant Personality Traits

Compassion and, a desire to understand the emotional as well as the physical problems of my patients. And above all, a concern for the patient as whole person. When I connect with my patients and their families, it's not just good for them—it's good for me, too. I lead a richer, fuller life because of them.

About the Progressive Care Unit

Needless to say, the Progressive Care Unit's very busy. No two days are ever alike. It can be a real challenge but that's what I was looking for when I came to Highland. I wanted a chance to grow and to use my years of experience in a meaningful way.

PCU care is more high tech and includes treatments that require more intense care and monitoring than those on medical/surgical units. And, you have to pay attention to detail and be able to make quick assessments. While PCU patients are more stable than ICU patients, they're still at risk for rapid status change.

Technical expertise is important on the PCU, but interpersonal skills and compassion are a must. Some patients are just beginning to cope with their illness and may need a lot of support. Others, who may be facing end-of-life issues, need even more support. Helping patients and families grieve is a big part of what PCU nurses must learn.

Teamwork's a priority on our unit because of the complexities of the disorders we treat. We have some new nursing grads on the unit and everyone pitches in to teach them. It's great because they're so excited about learning. The docs on the unit are very experienced and a great resource for us. They're willing to take the time to share their knowledge, and that's invaluable. If I had to come up with one word that describes our unit, it would be cohesive. No one lets anyone else drown. They help. And, we're all working for the same goal to give the very best patient care possible.