Intensive Care Unit
Having a loved one in an Intensive Care Unit can be a troubling and anxious experience. Families often feel confused and helpless. It is a difficult time for the patient and family. Our staff understands your feelings and will do what we can to keep the patient and family comfortable.
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is designed to provide intensive care nursing for patients seriously ill. Patients may be admitted for monitoring or support after surgery or for around-the-clock observation and frequent tests. The nurses in the ICU are Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed not only their basic nursing programs, but have additional and ongoing training to develop their specialized skills to work with sophisticated technology and to respond to varied needs. They are well prepared to handle emergency and crisis situations.
Visiting Hours & Regulations
Hours 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
For further information, contact us at 816-943-6801
Maintaining Contact and Confidentiality
We are committed to providing you the information you need. You are encouraged to ask questions and express your concerns.
- Each patient is asked to pick one or two spokesperson(s) to receive updates from the staff. If the patient is unable to do this, the family will be asked to select the spokesperson(s). These names are kept with the patient’s record.
- The spokesperson is responsible for providing information to all other family members or significant others.
- Limit phone calls to family members only.
- The nursing staff will provide regular condition reports.
- Other inquirers are given current condition (serious or critical) by the staff and referred to the spokesperson for information they may wish to share. Confidentiality is a serious concern in providing quality care.
- ICU phone numbers are given to the spokesperson(s) only.
- The Visitors Waiting Room has one phone number which may be given to family members and significant others: 816-943-6801.
Personal Belongings
In an effort to minimize germs and infections, fresh flowers and plants are not permitted in patient rooms or in the unit.
Personal items are limited due to space. Family members may be asked to take them home. All electrical items brought in must be checked for safety before use.
Support
A volunteer is usually available outside the ICU doors to provide information, refreshments and other items to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Please see waiting room volunteer for other services available to you.
The Spiritual Care staff is available 24 hours a day. The nursing staff or operator can contact them for you. They would be pleased to provide support at any time.
There are special rooms available within the waiting room area:
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- Family Conference Room: For family meetings, reviewing educational materials. One hour time limit. No sleeping or food in this room.
- Serenity Room: For meditation, prayer, quiet time. No sleeping or food in this room.
- Children’s Playroom: Children must be supervised by a family member or friend.
Information Booklet
The patient or spokesperson is given an information booklet which explains intensive care, the equipment, or medical terms that may be confusing. The booklet also contains space to record phone numbers and questions you may want to remember for the doctor or the staff. The booklet helps the spokesperson have information readily available when relaying information to others.
Courtesy and Confidentiality
Above all, we want to provide the privacy and confidentiality that are a part of quality care. Your cooperation is appreciated when you are asked to leave the patient care area and wait in the waiting room. For more information on St. Joseph’s ICU, call 816-943-6801.