In this multifaceted role, you'll oversee a pulmonology clinic, manage a 6-bed ICU, and supervise an 8-bed step-down unit. The ICU's current average daily census stands at 4-5 patients, with an average length of stay ranging from 5-7 days, contingent on presentation.
The ICU presently accommodates vented patients with arterial lines, capable of prone positioning and paralysis as needed. Typically, there is almost always at least one vented patient, and the unit caters to detox/septic/ARDS cases alongside post-surgical complications. Procedures within the ICU encompass simple bedside bronchoscopies, line placements, and chest tube insertions.
For the future, plans involve increasing acuity with the addition of access to a cath lab and EBUS capabilities. Hemodialysis services commenced in 2023, with an outlook to progress towards CRRT capabilities in the next couple of years.
In the 8-bed Step-Down Unit, the average daily census hovers around 7-8 patients. Hospitalists primarily handle medical management, with CCM doctors consulted for respiratory and complicated medical issues.
The integration of the Critical Care doctor into the code team is encouraged, with potential leadership roles in code situations, working alongside the hospitalist, cardiology, and team members with ACLS certification.
Workload preferences are finely tuned, involving an 8-10 hour clinic day, seeing 15-18 patients, capped at 20. Establishing meaningful connections with patients is not just a priority but a core value. The addition of a new physician is anticipated to alleviate the significant demand for pulmonologists in WNC, effectively reducing existing wait times.
The current model allows for unparalleled flexibility, differentiating between clinic and ICU responsibilities. The clinic schedule can be adjusted based on ICU workload, with the option of work-ins seamlessly integrated as needed.