Learning About the ICU Environment

What happens in the ICU?

An ICU is a part of the hospital where very sick people get care. It could be a special unit for people with heart, breathing, or other serious medical problems. Or it could be a place to recover after surgery.

There's a lot going on in the ICU. It can be scary and confusing for patients and their families and friends. The ICU is often busier than other places in the hospital. There's more medical staff caring for patients and more equipment, lights, and noise.

You can expect to see tubes, wires, and machines everywhere. The staff knows that you might have lots of questions about what's going on in the ICU. You can ask about anything you see there.

The ICU will probably have its own waiting room for visitors and a staff member to check in with.

What can you expect in the ICU?

Some ICU patients can communicate with their care team—doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff, as well as family and friends. But many cannot. Some patients may be able to write messages on a whiteboard or pad.

There is a lot of equipment in the ICU. You can expect to see tubes, wires, and machines everywhere. The staff will help you understand what all of this equipment does.

Patients in the ICU need to rest. They may sleep much of the time. Staff may dim the lights to help people sleep. Visiting hours and who can visit may be different in the ICU. You may be asked to move to the waiting area so that the staff can treat your loved one.

The ICU must be as clean as possible to help prevent infections. You will be expected to wash your hands each time you enter the ICU. Depending on your loved one's condition, you may also have to wear a mask, gloves, or a disposable gown.

If a patient is unable to make serious decisions because of medical reasons, their designated health care agent will need to help make decisions. The ICU staff will provide support and as much information as they can to help with these decisions. Some of the decisions to make may include what types of treatments or surgeries to pursue and how to plan for the end of life.

Who will you see in the ICU?

• ICU patients are in critical condition. They may have breathing or heart problems, serious head or other traumatic injuries, or uncontrolled infections. Some patients move from the emergency room into the ICU or from surgery to the ICU for ongoing critical medical care.
• The staff in the ICU includes specialized nurses and doctors, therapists, and technicians. You may also see social workers and maintenance staff. The team is designed to keep your loved one comfortable and safe and to provide the best medical care.