Nursing in the Crisis Stabilization Unit

Why work in a crisis stabilization unit (CSU) at UI Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC)?

The CSU provides a much needed level of care to the UIHC behavioral health treatment program.  The role of the CSU is to provide treatment to patients with an acute mental illness, by providing intensive mental health services in a supportive clinical setting, until either the patients improve enough for discharge or it is determined that they require inpatient psychiatric care. 

Who would be treated in the CSU?

CSU treatment would be suitable for medically stable adult psychiatric patients. As our name suggests, we are prepared to handle patients who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis and in need of immediate around-the-clock care and observation.

How is the CSU different from a traditional hospital psychiatric treatment area?

The CSU is a short-stay unit, with a maximum capacity of 12.  The CSU’s open concept features a large central room with comfortable reclining chairs rather than traditional hospital beds. Individual therapy spaces are located immediately off this large room. Patients will have other home-like touches, including TVs, music, and Web access.

What are the anticipated outcomes based on a CSU approach to emergent psychiatric care?

Other state-of-the-art CSU’s across the country report substantial improvements in patient satisfaction. Reported outcomes include dramatically reduced needs for coercive measures, fewer episodes of agitation and physical restraints, and fewer instances of unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations.

Who makes up the CSU care team?

With a goal of maintaining a low caregiver/patient ratio, the CSU is staffed by a team of multidisciplinary professionals.  The CSU nursing staff includes a nurse manager, registered nurses, psychiatric nursing assistants and a unit clerk.  The CSU team will be staffed by rotating faculty attending psychiatrists and licensed independent social workers.

Why consider Iowa for a career in psychiatric nursing?

• Opportunities and incentives for graduate-level education
• Work at the top of your nursing license
• Interaction with a comprehensive care team, including medical, pharmacy, rehabilitation, and social work professionals
• State-of-the-art technology to support patient care and overall security
• Outstanding salary and benefits
• Flexible scheduling