Rebecca Baute, BSN, RN, Chief Nurse Executive of Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital & Brittany Barasa, DNP, RN, Manager of Patient Care for Nursing Throughput and PCT Float Pool

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, Mariah Taylor interviews Becky Bowdy, Chief Nursing Executive at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, and Brittany Barasa, Manager of Patient Care for Nursing Throughput and PCT Float Pool, about their successful implementation of a discharge lounge. The conversation dives into the operational best practices that have made their lounge a model for reducing emergency department bottlenecks and improving patient throughput. Key elements include strong executive leadership support, a dedicated RN and PCT team with specialized training, strategic placement near an exit for easy family and ambulance access, and a multidisciplinary approach involving charge nurses, physicians, and care coordinators. The team emphasizes proactive communication through a real-time Teams chat system, regular charge nurse workshops, and a 'pull' model where lounge staff identify and transport patients, rather than waiting for referrals. They also discuss evolving criteria to include nursing home patients, outpatient procedures, and surge capacity, as well as the financial and clinical ROI tied to improved patient satisfaction, reduced CMS penalties, and better care quality. The episode highlights how a well-structured discharge lounge can transform hospital operations by freeing up inpatient beds, enhancing patient dignity, and supporting staff efficiency. Both leaders stress the importance of continuous education, safety protocols (including specialized equipment for patient transfers), and ongoing review of inclusion/exclusion criteria based on patient population needs. Their success story offers a replicable blueprint for healthcare systems struggling with discharge delays, emphasizing that cultural buy-in, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication are just as critical as physical space and staffing. The insights shared are particularly relevant for hospitals seeking to improve throughput and patient experience in high-demand environments.