Special Care Unit

The Special Care Unit (SCU) is a 26 monitored bed pediatric step-down unit located on the 7th floor Harbert in the Benjamin Russell Building at Children’s of Alabama. We care for critically ill patients from birth to 18+ years old, with complete spectrum of diagnosis. There is a multidisciplinary team, including medical and surgical physicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, child-life specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists and social workers, who work to meet the needs of our patients.

The average patient length of stay is 1–3 days.

Patients are admitted to SCU from every service line in the hospital, including trauma, post-op patients, Hematology/Oncology, Neurosurgery, NICU, and PICU step-down patients. Our patient population is diverse and requires skilled medical care.

Our Charge Nurses are responsible for managing patient flow of the unit and do not take a patient assignment. Depending on staffing and patient census, the goal is to staff each shift with 1 to 2 resource nurses to assist the unit with procedures, admissions, transfers and off-unit testing. Our nurses also serve as back-up for the rapid response team.

SCU offers a welcoming environment for new staff, so they can learn and develop their skills. Our multidisciplinary approach, commitment to excellence, focus on teamwork and dedication to patient care helps us ensure we provide the very best for our patients.

Are you interested in working in the Special Care Unit at Children’s of Alabama?

Please click the Careers link at the top of the page.

Phone: 205-638-9482