RIRM 1 South - The Williams Randolph Hearst Foundation Stroke Rehabilitation Unit

Nurse Manager: Everette James-Holder, BS, BSN, CRRN

1 South is the 18 bed unit within the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine designated as the Stroke and Brain Injury Unit. The unit consists of 8 large two-bedded rooms and two deluxe private rooms.

The primary patient population served consists of adults and geriatrics that are affected by chronic illness and disabilities. The goal of the Rehabilitation program is to maximize their abilities and to enable them to achieve their greatest potential and independence.

The population is inclusive of, but not limited to the following diagnoses:

• Stroke including

• ICB, infarct, late effect stroke with worsening deficits
• TBI
• Hydrocephalus (NPH) with or without VP shunt
• Encephalopathy (other than hepatic encephalopathy) encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Brain tumor with or without surgical intervention.

One South is the unit dedicated to accommodating and providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to care, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team. The Nursing staff possesses excellent functional and assessment expertise in the management of:  

• Incontinence
• Pressure ulcer prevention
  
• Medication administration and teaching
  
• Procedures in the management of pain
  
• Integration of skills developed in PT and OT on the unit with feedback and discussion at Team Conference
  
• Provision of health teaching and training to maintain relearned skills and continuity of care post discharge.

The focus of the nursing staff is on a holistic approach to meet the medical/physical and restorative needs of the patient. Education of the family and patient is central to this approach. The goal is to assist the patient to maximize functional independence within the context of the family and the community.

To remain current with the principles of evidence -based practice in the rehabilitation setting, a significant number of the RN’s are certified in Rehabilitation Nursing (CRRN) or are actively pursuing Master’s Degree in Adult Primary Care.
 
One South is both JCAHO and CARF accredited and is certified as a Stroke /TBI Unit