Dear Colleagues,
I recently had the privilege of joining the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Tier 1 huddle with Chief Nurse Executive Shanon Fucik and Executive Vice Dean Ross Zafonte. Many of us remember when these units were called “step-down units,” but today’s terminology reflects something much more: the highly specialized, deeply skilled care these teams provide every hour of every day.
PCU Manager Monica Sims and Educator Karen Butkievich offered an excellent overview of the complexity of PCU care. The team cares for patients who require a level of attention between intensive care and the medical–surgical setting. These patients require frequent assessments, close monitoring, complex infusions or recurring laboratory studies. They arrive from the ICU, move from the general ward when their condition escalates, or come directly from the emergency department. It is clear that the PCU plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, seamless care for some of our most vulnerable patients.
The team reviewed admissions and discharges, central line and urinary catheter oversight, current census and patients requiring continuous video monitoring. Fall prevention remains a top priority across our system, and this huddle underscored that commitment with a thoughtful fall-risk review.
The team also celebrated their Fall Champion for the shift, Tracy Toler, who ensured targeted interventions were in place for high-risk patients. The importance of hygiene rounds was also reinforced, with emphasis on consistent bathing and oral care to support patient comfort and health.
One of my favorite parts of the visit was seeing the team pause to recognize each other’s oustanding work. Tracy was applauded not only for her Fall Champion role, but for helping admit a complex patient from the emergency department. The team also celebrated Garrett Seal, winner of the PCCN practice question drawing—just one example of how the unit is encouraging ongoing professional growth and certification readiness.
Before closing the huddle, Carly shared updates on new insulin-drip calculation training and reminded the team about annual hand hygiene and infection-prevention requirements. She then invited the group to sign a card for a long-stay patient. It was a simple but meaningful act that speaks to the compassion woven into PCU culture.
It was a full, fast-paced, and inspiring start to the day. I walked away with an even deeper appreciation for the coordination, expertise and heart that defines this team. The PCU is an essential resource for our patients and for our entire care continuum, and we are truly fortunate to have such dedicated professionals supporting our mission.
Thank you, PCU team, for the extraordinary work you do each day. You represent the very best of MU Health Care.
Warm regards,
Rick Barohn, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean, School of Medicine
rbarohn@health.missouri.edu
