The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is designed to provide ongoing,
specialized care by trained personnel. Patients are admitted to the ICU because
of monitoring and support offered only in a critical care unit. It is our goal
to have our nurses available to address patient care needs above the needs of others. The ICU guidelines
below are provided to enable our nurses to achieve this goal. We request that all
visitors abide by these guidelines.
If you have questions or concerns about the patient, do not
hesitate to express them to the physician or the intensive care nurses. Or if
you have special questions or concerns about the care your loved one is receiving
in the ICU, please contact the manager at (573) 632-5350.
ICU Guidelines
Various monitors and equipment may be used to care for patients. Most often the alarms you hear are merely signals that assist
the intensive care nurses in delivering care. Please do not try to adjust the
equipment yourself.
Visiting
Visiting hours are individualized per patient per
nurse discretion. Hours closed to visitation are from 6:30 - 10 a.m.
and from 6:30 - 8 p.m., during shift report to maintain patient confidentiality.
Do not call the ICU during closed visitation times.
To enter the ICU during open visiting hours lift the telephone handset outside of the ICU entrance, which will automatically call into the ICU main desk. Inform the receptionist of your name and the name of the patient you would like to visit. the staff member will then confirm if a visit is advisable.
Please limit two visitors per visitation.
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the ICU.
To provide the best possible care to the patient, visitors
are asked to leave the unit when patients are being admitted, during critical
situations and/or certain procedures.
Telephone
Visitors are asked not to use the phones in the ICU area.
Two phones are provided in the ICU waiting room for your use.
To call the ICU
waiting room directly, dial (573) 632-5349 or (573) 632-5352.
Spokesperson
In order for the ICU staff to maintain communication with
those concerned and provide the best possible care, we do require that a spokesperson
be designated. This person will be responsible for keeping other loved ones
updated on the patient’s condition. Please ask the designated spokesperson
any questions you have regarding a patient condition.
Personal Belongings and Gifts
Due to limited space, we ask that a minimal amount of belongings
be brought into the ICU. Cards, balloons and notes are welcome gifts for ICU
patients. To reduce the risk of infection, please do not send or bring flowers
or food. Please consider this when remembering your friend or relative.
Taking Care of Yourself
Having a loved one in the ICU can be a difficult and stressful
time. It is important for you to take care of yourself by eating meals and getting
rest. Therefore, we encourage you to return home for the night and if you should
need assistance with lodging while your loved one is a patient, please contact
the Patient Representative at (573) 632-5204 or the House Supervisor at (573)
632-5203.
Chaplain and Social Services
A chaplain is available 24 hours a day for emergency needs.
To contact the chaplain, call (573) 632-5035. The prayer room is located on
the first floor. Social Work staff counsels patients and their families in regard
to financial and emotional assistance. Notify the ICU nurses if you wish to
speak to someone from either of these services.
Smoking Policy
Capital Region Medical Center is a tobacco-free environment.
Visitors are encouraged to follow CRMC's smoking policy and refrain from smoking anywhere on the property.
