The practice of nursing requires specialized knowledge, judgment, and skills to provide care to groups and individuals. The RN utilizes knowledge derived from the principles of biological, physical, behavioral, social, and nursing sciences to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. All care is provided based on the concepts inherent in the model of care for TCH which promotes an on-going partnership between patients and families and the team of healthcare providers. The care is culturally based and age specific. The RN adheres to American Nursing Association (ANA) code of ethics and to the scope of practice described in the Ohio Nurse Practice Act.

The Cardio-Pulmonary Stepdown/4 South unit is a 20-bed medical stepdown unit specializing in the care of patients diagnosed with acute MI, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, CHF and other low risk cardiac/chest pain diagnoses. Cardiopulmonary Stepdown also cares for patients who are long-term ventilator dependent. We offer general medical services to all types of patients requiring cardiac monitoring including cardiology, renal, endocrinology, general medicine, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and oncology. Staff on this unit undergo special training and education regarding non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (Bi-PAP, C-PAP, and A-PAP). They also provide infusion therapy, transfusions, injections, and central line care. Patient care assistants on this unit provide support with ADLs, POC glucose testing, and 12 Lead EKGs. 4 South is a dedicated stroke unit and all RNs are NIH stroke scale certified.