Activity Summary
The average LOS of post-cardiac surgery patients on our unit during the months of January through May of 2021 was
12 days. Our CSI team’s goal was to decrease that LOS 10% with early discharge planning that included all members of
the interdisciplinary team. Throughout our project, we encountered various challenges, such as an increased volume of COVID-19 patients.
These patients’ discharges were delayed awaiting placement to subacute rehabilitation centers or long-term care. In
addition, we encountered increased patient acuity during our unit’s transition to a step-down unit from an acute care
unit. As a result, we were unable to meet our original goal of decreasing LOS. However, we successfully changed the way
the interdisciplinary team collaborates to ensure safe and timely discharges for our patients.
Objectives
- Discuss key concepts of a direct care nurse unit change project
- Apply tools and methods shared in their own unit
Continuing Education Disclosure Statement
Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) are recognized by the AACN Certification Corporation, our credentialing arm, to encompass a wide spectrum of continuing education activities performed by nurses in high acuity and critical care and fulfill educational requirements for certification. Synergy CERP is a program exclusive to AACN for nurses wishing to recertify through AACN.
State boards of nursing and other certification organizations may recognize CERPs as meeting CE Contact Hour requirements. We recommend consulting with the state board or credentialing organization before submitting CERPs to fulfill CEContact Hour requirements.