Important things you need to know
Family lounge
Our family lounge is here to give you a quiet place to be near your family member.
Our lounge serves the family members of up to 20 patients. The hospital
cafeteria is the preferred place for eating.
Taking care of yourself
During this stressful time, it is also important that you also care for yourself.
- Call family members to provide emotional support. Often, having someone
to just listen can be of great support.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Eat
healthy and balanced meals.
- Get
plenty of exercise.
In order to be a strong supporter of your loved one, you must take care of
yourself. Talk to the nurse if you have concerns.
Privacy
You may telephone the ICU at any time. Please select a family spokesperson to
call for information. When you are away from the unit, be sure to leave a phone
number where you can be reached in case we need to contact you. A limited number
of pagers are also available. Please consult the ICU nurse for further information.
What you can do to help us with infection
control
We ask all visitors to clean their hands using the hand-cleansing foam located right outside of each patient's room before entering the patient's room and again when you leave the room. A sink is also located in each patient room and in the family lounge restroom for hand washing hand washing before and after visiting.
To minimize the risk of infection, food and drink, plants in dirt, candy and
most personal items are not permitted in patient rooms unless cleared with the
registered nurse.
Please do not visit if you are experiencing cold
or flu
symptoms or have been exposed to chicken
pox, measles,
or mumps
in the last 21 days.
Admission
When your family member is admitted to the ICU, he or she may come from surgery,
the emergency department, a physician's office or from another unit in the hospital.
Although you are anxious to see how they are doing, the staff needs a period
of time to settle the patient, review the physician's orders and make the patient
comfortable.
Use this time to let other family members know about the admission and/or surgery,
and to get yourself some coffee or a snack. The nurses will allow visitors to
come into the room when your loved one is settled.
Family support
Whenever a patient is admitted to the ICU, it is a stressful time for the patient,
family and friends. While the care of the patient takes priority the nurses
are also concerned about the patient's family and encourage you to ask questions
about hospital services or care.
The ICU nurse wants you to feel comfortable discussing any aspects of your loved
one's care. The ICU nurse welcomes any insights or information from you to make
the hospital stay easier. This may include information about favorite television
or radio programs or music.
Please remember that touch is also very important in the recovery process. Holding
the patient's hand and assisting in the physical care can be helpful and reassuring
to both the patient and yourself.
Many machines have alarms that make noises. Please be aware that these sounds
may not always signal a serious problem. If you have questions, please don't
hesitate to ask.
Smoking
Please remember the hospital and grounds are smoke-free.
Fragrances
The hospital is a fragrance free environment.
Informational wall
Pamphlets are available regarding procedures and diagnoses. Please check with
the nurse if unable to locate.
Cell phones
Activated cellular phones are permitted in the family lounge but not in patient care areas as they interfere with electronic
equipment.
Latex balloons
Latex balloons are not permitted in the hospital. Mylar balloons are acceptable.
Personal belongings
Because space is limited on the unit, we ask that relatives take most of the
patient's personal possessions home for safekeeping. If necessary, the Business
Office/Security may secure some valuables during the patient's stay. The hospital
is not responsible for damage, theft or loss of your personal belongings. We
also advise the family to take the patient's medications home.
Source: The Association for Professionals in Infection Control Text of Infection
Control and Epidemiology, 2002
Source: JCAHO Infection Control Standards, 2005
Source: The Society for Critical Care Medicine Web site, www.sccm.org, Patient
& Family
Reviewed by: Cindy D. Kamara, ICU interim nurse manager, April 26, 2007
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