Welcome to the Intensive Care Unit
We are a specialty unit trained to meet the critical needs of our patients. We realize that admission to ICU is frightening for patients and families. Please know that we are here to assist you.
Patient Care
Visitors will be asked to leave during emergency and special procedures. To protect the privacy of other patients, we will ask family members to wait in the waiting room. Your nurse will come to get you when the procedure is complete.
Visitation
We recognize the impact of family support as an essential cornerstone to a holistic recovery for our critically ill patients and encourage you to visit your loved one while in intensive care.
- Open visits: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- We observe an afternoon rest period to promote healing: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (no visitors)
- Two visitors at a time per patient
- Children under 14 are not allowed to visit in ICU
- Parents are welcome and encouraged to be present at all times with children under the age of 17
Making Decisions
We recognize many of our critically ill patients may need continuous support from family and a representative for care decisions. We ask and encourage each patient or family, when appropriate, to appoint a patient advocate. The patient advocate may be present at all times.
Patient Privacy
It is our goal to protect our patient’s privacy at all times. Patient care is routinely discussed at the Nurses’ Station between patients’ care team members. All visitors must remain in the Patient’s Room and use the patient call light if you need assistance.
Our Staff
Our primary medical staff are internal medicine physicians. However, consulting physicians will be included as necessary. The nurses caring for you and your family members are all registered nurses with specialized training in advanced life support, and many have years of ICU experience. We have trained Monitor Techs observing our cardiac monitors.
Respiratory therapists, physical therapists and case managers will be critical providers in your care.
ICU Language
Critical Care: Multidisciplinary healthcare specialty that cares for patients with acute, life-threatening illness or injury.
Ventilator (breathing machine): The breathing machine blows air and oxygen in and out of the lungs. The breathing machine can do all the breathing for the patient or it can assist the patient’s own breathing.
Endotracheal Tube: This tube is inserted through either the patient’s nose or throat and into the windpipe. You may also hear it being referred to as an ET Tube.
GI Bleed: Gastrointestinal bleeding describes any form of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
ABG (Arterial Blood Gas): A blood test to check the level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity, which may be done several times a day.
Central Venous Catheter: A catheter placed into a large vein. It is used to administer medication or fluids that are unable to be taken by mouth or would harm a smaller peripheral vein.
NPO: Nothing to eat or drink by mouth.
PRN: As needed, as the occasion arises.
Contact Info
Nurses’ Station: 575-443-2726
