Intensive/Critical Care

Intensive/Critical Care

The ICU is a ten-bed unit on the third floor. This unit assists general medical and surgical patients requiring critical care, including those who show indications of heart failure, heart attack, heart rhythm disturbances, respiratory failure, renal (kidney) failure and patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, a lung condition or those suffering from a drug overdose. Here, patients may be monitored for heart rhythm, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and heart conditions. The goal is to provide the highest level of care, utilizing the latest technological advancements in nursing, medicine and available resources.

Because of the diversity of these needs, our nurses possess a broad range of skills and have advanced training in the care and assessment of the critically ill/injured patient. Nursing staff work with the patient's physician to provide treatment in a timely, safe and compassionate manner. We also make the most of the expertise of respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, wound/ostomy management nurses and dietitians.

The ICU environment forsters and support the psychosocial, spiritual, physical and resorative needs of patients and families. Windows, wi-fi and televisions assist in patient orientation. Patient and family education, available continually helps to decrease anxiety and allows participation in care. A centralized nursing station allows for coninual observation of patients.

We ask that families limit calls and choose a spokesperson to serve as the family contact. Please understand that we are limited, due to patient confidentiality laws, as to what we can communicate via telephone. Quiet time is observed from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on a daily basis to provide therapeutic rest.