Care model uses LPNs in discharge delay unit

Nursing leaders at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., implemented a care model allowing licensed practical nurses to staff a new single unit consisting of patients experiencing discharge delays without compromising quality or nursing satisfaction. The Journal of Nursing Administration article explains how nursing leaders co-located medically stable patients with discharge delays to a new long-stay unit. The floor was staffed by 40% LPNs and 60% unlicensed care personnel. A single lead RN supervised the staff and received support from a virtual RN. The unit discharged 358 patients during its first year. Surveyed patients expressed satisfaction with their care. Patients had decreased rates of health care-acquired infections compared with patients on other units. Nurse burnout declined and more nurses found their work meaningful.