Sickle Cell Infusion Center (Carnegie 136)

The Sickle Cell Infusion Center (SCIC) provides multidisciplinary care to adult patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This outpatient urgent care setting primarily accommodates care of patients experiencing sickle cell crisis, along with determining outpatient or acute care follow-up needs. The SCIC clinical staff determines whether patients will be discharged home, transferred to the EACU/Main Adult ER for further treatment or directly admitted as medically indicated during the course of treatment. The interdisciplinary care team arranges for outpatient visits including hematology, anticoagulation clinic, chronic blood transfusion therapy, wound care services, social services, and psychological support. Patient education of sickle health maintenance remains a central focus.

Patient Population

• Adults with sickle cell disease
• Average length of stay: 4 hours

Number of Beds

• The SCIC has four (4) treatment chairs and an exam room that houses one (1) stretcher. Up to 5 patients may be treated for infusion visits.

Nurse/Patient Ratio:

• Typically 1:5

Rotation/Shifts

• 9 am – 7 pm on weekdays
• 10 am – 8 pm on weekends

Skill Mix

• RN and Clinical Associate/Nursing Extern (nursing student) support 1:1 or 2:1
• Required competencies: peripheral IV insertion skills, peripheral blood drawing skills. Nurse must possess skills in accessing, maintaining and de-accessing central lines.
• Clinical staff must have a thorough understanding of sickle cell disease with ability to provide ongoing patient education.
• Clinical staff meet JHH credentialing standard and follow institutional policies and procedures

Orientation

• 8 weeks or customized to nurse needs