Watchful Eye In the ICU: Carol Dunbar, APRN, BC 
Nursing Spectrum

Second Sight: Jennifer Sullivan, MA, RN, CCRN, ACNP  AdvancesforNurses

The ReSCU monitors not only ECG rhythms and vital signs, but also has access to patient lab and test results, medication regimens, and nurse and physician documentation. Staff in the ReSCU can visualize and directly talk to the patients themselves using the videoconferencing technology. The ReSCU team communicates and collaborates with the nursing and medical staff in the ICU/SD and supports them in the provision of expert patient care. Medical research has shown that patients monitored by an ReSCU team experienced fewer complications, reduced length of stay, and lower mortality and morbidity rates. This was attributed to the assistance the ReSCU provided staff in the ICU/SD with patient monitoring, resulting in early recognition of changes in the trends of patient information. Charles Goehring, ReSCU nurse, said, "I believe the ReSCU has great potential and the biggest impact will be seen in the stepdown units and in community hospitals. Having an ReSCU nurse means there is always someone available to give advice and help staff." 

The ICU/SD staff is adjusting well to the new monitoring system and they are getting to know their ReSCU colleagues. Woodley Perpignan, SAICU nurse, said "Having the ReSCU is like having a third eye, the more people monitoring the patient the better." Eunmee Shim, 5HN Nurse Manager believes the ReSCU will have a positive impact on nursing.she stated that "the ReSCU is a big advance in patient safety. It gives the nurses confidence in taking care of their patients. They know they have instant help when they really need it. I feel much more comfortable leaving the unit in the evening knowing there is another person watching the patients." 

Currently, the ReSCU has been implemented in the CTICU, SAICU and the stepdown beds of 5HN. The ReSCU monitoring is scheduled to expand to the stepdowns of 7HN and 7HS on April 1st. The New York Weill Cornell campus will also be opening an ReSCU at the end of April.03. Questions about this new program can be directed to Jennifer Sullivan, ReSCU Nurse Manager, at 1-212-305-0230. 

Hussein Tahan, MS, RN, CNA Director of Nursing, Cardiovascular Services at the NYPH Columbia Presbyterian site states, " the use of VISICU ReSCU in the intensive care and step-down units allows the staff to implement innovative tele-nursing approaches in the care of patients while in the the acute care setting. It also facilitates the development of a peer-mentoring relationship between expert and less experienced nurses. In addition, the creation of the ReSCU ensures the highest standards of quality care and opens new career opportunities."