ICU

SJRMC ICU/CCU is a 22-bed unit providing care for patients with medical-surgical, trauma, cardiovascular, neurological, nephrology, and pulmonary problems. The ICU/CCU is a very specialized area with policies and equipment that are different from other areas in the hospital. It is designed for patients with serious illnesses or injuries who must be watched and cared for more closely than other patients. ICU/CCU nurses have received extra training in the monitoring and care of these patients.

VISITATION POLICY

Because of the critical condition of the patients in ICU/CCU, visiting hours are different than in other areas. Our patients require undisturbed rest due to longer procedures, intense treatment, and a generalized stressful environment. Please note our visiting hours and rules at the right.

ICU/CCU- Visiting Hours

4:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Immediate family only. No children under 12. Please use the wall phone to request permission to visit. Respect your loved one's need for rest and limit your visit please. No more than two visitors at a time.

The ICU/CCU doors are secured between visiting hours to allow the staff time to care for your loved one while ensuring their privacy and dignity. A staff member is always available by using the telephone located at the ICU/CCU entrance. You will be kept updated on changing conditions that may arise while in the waiting room.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in ICU/CCU and should remain in the main lobby. However, if you feel an exception should be made, please speak with the nurse. The doors may remain locked during visiting hours due to an emergency situation. If this happens, a staff member will be in contact with those in the waiting room to answer questions, and to provide information on changing conditions.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE

It can be very difficult for the nurse and other staff members to repeat patient information to every family member who inquires. Ideally one member from the family be appointed as a spokesperson. This individual then assumes responsibility for keeping family and friends updated on the patient's condition, allowing the nurse more time to spend with the patient rather than answering numerous phone calls. Callers wishing to know information will be asked to contact the designated spokesperson. Always be assured that any significant changes will be reported to the family.

EQUIPMENT AND MONITORS

All patients are connected to a bedside monitor by wires that attach to the chest. The information received can tell us many things including heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood pressure. This information is also relayed to the nurses station so that we may observe the patient when we are not in the room. There will usually be one or more IV pumps administering fluids and medications. Catheters are used to empty urine into a bag to record fluid balance. Oxygen may be administered through a small tube in the nose or through a face mask. A patient may require full breathing support on a ventilator. There is equipment used to monitor pressure in the brain or to tell us how the heart is working. All of this equipment has special alarms that notify the staff to check information. Rarely does an alarm indicate an emergency. Please ask your loved one's nurse if you have any questions regarding any of the machines or what they are used for. Gaining a better understanding will help alleviate some fears and anxiety.

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

When a patient is admitted to a hospital, they are asked if they have a living will or other document that specifies their particular wishes. This information determines what treatment and heroic measures they want. There are also documents that designate someone to be a personal representative in the event the patient can no longer made decisions. It is very important that these issues be discussed among family and health care providers. Talking about these issues does not imply impending death, nor does it mean that the patient will be given any less care. If you need these forms or assistance in completing them, the Social Worker will be requested to speak with you.

(505) 609-6202