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.

3 South is a 29-bed medical stepdown unit specializing in the care of stroke and geriatric patients. The unit offers care to all types of patients requiring cardiac monitoring including cardiology, renal, endocrinology, general medicine, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and oncology. Family Practice Providers are our main source of patients. 3 South Patient Care Assistants are EKG trained and have a Point of Care certification. Health Unit Coordinators (HUC) on 3 South manage the patient flow, patient requests, and physician consults along with many other duties. They also complete training as a Cardiac Monitor Reader (CMR) and share time in both roles as a HUC and CMR. Registered Nurses on 3 South are NIH Stroke certified in the first 6 months. Our nurses have opportunity to become charge nurses and preceptors. All 3 South team members participate in annual education days and are supported by a Professional Development Specialist, in addition to the Clinical Manager and two Assistant Clinical Managers.