Tier 2
Department Coordinator: Jack Kennaday
Coordinator Email: sjogensurg@copehealthscholars.org
General Surgery
Shifts Available: Every Day; 6:00AM-10:00AM, 10:00AM-2:00PM, 2:00PM-6:00PM, 6:00PM-10:00PM
Location: Third floor of Building Two
General Surgery is a basic nursing floor that works with a variety of pre- and post-op surgical procedure patients. The floor offers a great deal of interaction with patients who are hospitalized for both minor and major surgical procedures.
Students have the opportunity to:
Further develop bedside manner as they care for patients with wounds that require special techniques
Work alongside RNs, NAs, and sometimes physicians as they explain the surgical procedures that can be observed on the floor
Assist NAs in bathing, feeding, ambulating, transporting patients, etc.
General Surgery is a fast paced floor. When not bathing, feeding, ambulating, or transporting patients, students have the opportunity to interact with wound care specialist nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, etc. By being proactive, assertive, and thorough, students have the opportunity to learn an immense amount about pre-/post- operative patients. Take advantage of every opportunity that the floor has and you will walk away with some of the best experiences in the program!
Orthopedics
Shifts Available: Every Day; 6:00AM-10:00AM, 10:00AM-2:00PM, 2:00PM-6:00PM, 6:00PM-10:00PM
Location: Second floor of Building Two
On this unit, you will encounter patients who have recently undergone a number of surgeries, including hip replacements, knee replacements, shoulder surgeries, or spine surgeries, to name a few. The majority of patients on this unit are on the unit for approximately three days as they recover from surgery. Physical therapists and case managers frequent the unit to coordinate the post-operative care. The unit opened in 2007, and features a well-planned healing environment including the "Healing Garden" for meditation and sunshine just outside the unit. Equipped with a great depth of orthopedic knowledge and the most advanced facilities, St. Joseph Hospital truly cares for each patient's body, mind and spirit. Due to the number of recovering patients, this floor will require students to be proactive in rounding and regularly updating staff on patient status's.
Students will have the opportunity to:
Assist and observe PT and OT
Provide basic needs care such as feeding, bathing, changing etc.
Ambulate patients and as well as take part in their rehab process
These patients require a lot of immediate attention and the floor is very fast-paced so a proactive mindset it required!
Department Coordinator: Zahraa Haguar
Coordinator Email: sjoortho@copehealthscholars.org
Department Coordinator: Nathan Swun
Coordinator Email: sjomaternalfetal@copehealthscholars.org
Maternal Fetal
Shifts Available: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-5:00pm; Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm
Location: Eighth floor of the Pavilion
The only unit in the Pavilion where Health Scholars are active, Maternal Fetal Health is one of the two departments under the umbrella term Women's Health, along with Pelvic Health. There are three modalities that Maternal fetal provides: Ultrasound, Gestational Diabetes, and Postpartum Psych. The patient's cared for are high-risk pregnancies with health conditions such as fetal anomalies, history of preterm birth, either gestational or chronic hypertension and diabetes, and more. The unit provides plenty of opportunities to learn and it completes the cycle of gestation. From outpatient antepartum care on MF, to inpatient care and delivery at L&D, and then observation on MBU, and possible followups for postpartum back in MF, Health Scholars will be able to observe what mothers go through at different stages throughout pregnancy!
Students will have the opportunity to:
Assist and observe NSTs and Ultrasounds
Observe Gestational Diabetes consults
Observation
Shifts Available: Every Day; 6:00AM-10:00AM, 10:00AM-2:00PM, 2:00PM-6:00PM, 6:00PM-10:00PM
Location: Third floor of Building One
While located in the hospital, this is actually an outpatient unit, meaning the patients here are not admitted to the hospital. This unit provides an alternative to discharge or hospital inpatient admission for the emergency department or post-surgical patient who may benefit from an extended observation period (generally less than 24 hours). Patients 15+ years old who are not ill enough to warrant immediate inpatient hospital admission but are also not well enough to return home may need additional monitoring, diagnostic evaluation, and/or treatment in an observation unit. Some of the most common symptoms and conditions for patients placed in these units include chest pain, dehydration, post-surgical pain, and gastroenteritis.
Students will have the opportunity to:
Assist in the care of patients who are post-surgical
Round on patients frequently and work closely with RNs, PT, OT, RT, and physicians
Discharge patients on a regular basis
The average length of stay is 26 hours, but some patients may stay anywhere from eight hours to three days.
Department Coordinator: Jasmine Nguyen
Coordinator Email: sjombu@copehealthscholars.org
Mother Baby Unit (MBU)
Shifts Available: Every Day; 6:00AM-10:00AM, 10:00AM-2:00PM, 2:00PM-6:00PM, 6:00PM-10:00AM
Location: Fourth floor of Building One
The St. Joseph Hospital Mother-Baby Unit provides a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere where specially trained nurses are dedicated to patient-centered care that focuses on both mother and baby. The patient care team encourages the bonding of the family and newborn, and welcome the participation of siblings and other family members. The highly skilled nursing staff and certified breastfeeding consultants provide one-on-one instruction in self-care and baby care, as well as specialized support in a transitional care unit for babies who need extra attention.
Students will have the opportunity to:
Assist with hands-on care for newborns
Prep rooms for postpartum mothers
Observe multiple tests and procedures for newborns including circumcisions
Transport mothers to/from CHOC
MBU offers a lot of great learning opportunities and has a unique, very upbeat vibe! Who doesn't love tiny humans! Please note, students shifting on the MBU unit are required to be compliant with Varicella and Tdap vaccination requirements. Students with waivers for either vaccination will not be permitted to shift.