Authors

  1. Shannon, M. Teresa MSN, RN, CPN, NPD-BC
  2. Green, MaryEllen MSN, CNL, RN, CPN
  3. Pires-Serisser, Ana Maria MSN, RN, CPN
  4. King, Elizabeth-Anne DNP, RN, NE-BC, CPN, CPHQ

Abstract

With the current global mental health crisis, hospitals have experienced an exponential increase in behavioral health patients boarding on medical and surgical units. Nursing leaders are challenged with adapting existing infrastructure to deliver safe high-quality care to this patient population. This article describes 1 medical center's nurse-led effort to improve safety and quality care experiences for pediatric behavioral health patients boarding on a medical unit and for the staff providing care.