The term refers to the documented responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required for a Registered Nurse (RN) position specifically focused on caring for patients who are boarding in a hospital setting. This document outlines the scope of practice for an RN in this temporary care area, including medication administration, patient assessment, and coordination of care with other healthcare professionals. An example might include the need to provide specialized wound care to a post-operative patient awaiting transfer to a surgical unit or managing chronic pain for an individual awaiting placement in a long-term care facility.
Such a description is crucial for ensuring that RNs understand the expectations of their role when assigned to care for boarding patients. It helps to maintain a standard of quality care for individuals in a non-traditional hospital bed placement. Historically, the necessity for clearly defined roles in boarding scenarios has grown alongside increasing hospital occupancy rates and emergency department overcrowding, leading to more frequent use of temporary care locations.
