Intensive care visiting guidelines

Sometimes a patient's stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is planned. Other times it's unexpected. In any event, at St. Charles we understand how much you want to be there for your loved one. We recognize your contribution to the care team and the importance of your visits. We also know that you, too, will need support, reassurance and information.

Our vision

Creating America’s healthiest community, together.

Your loved one’s critical condition requires extensive treatment that our ICU staff is specially trained to provide. We believe in our health system’s vision, and are dedicated to fulfilling it with respect and compassion.

About the ICU care team

Many health care professionals contribute to patient care in the ICU. Caregivers will round every morning to review the plan of care. The team includes:

  • Physicians - Many different types of doctors may be caring for a patient in the ICU depending on the specific illness. A critical care specialist is present in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • ICU nurse - One nurse will care for one or two patients depending on the patient’s severity of illness. The nurse will generally care for a patient for 12 hours a day and shift change is usually at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
  • Other members of the ICU care team may include a respiratory therapist, physical therapist, dietitian, speech therapist, social worker and chaplain.

Care and communication

On the first day in the ICU, the physician and/or nurse will address the following with patients or their representatives if patients are not able make decisions:

  • Identify appropriate decision maker if patient is not able to make decisions
  • Review advanced directive if available
  • Discuss patient’s values, goals and preferences regarding ICU treatment and resuscitation status

On ICU day four or five, a family meeting will be arranged by the ICU clinical supervisor to include the ICU care team and patient’s loved ones to address the patient’s progress, plan of care and to answer family questions and/or concerns.

Daily communication is encouraged between the ICU care team and the patient’s decision maker. Face-to-face contact is preferred over phone contact if possible.

We ask you to identify a family spokesperson. Your spokesperson will serve as the contact between the nursing staff, family and friends. This will allow the nurse to focus on providing care to your loved one.

To ensure we are respecting patient privacy and federal law, your family spokesperson will be provided a four-digit number. At the spokesperson’s discretion, they can provide the number to immediate family members. Family members must provide this number to nursing staff to receive updates on their loved one.

Condition HELP is a patient safety program that is available should you have concerns about your loved one’s medical condition and/ or care after you have already spoken to the nurse or doctor in charge.

You may activate Condition HELP by dialing extension 4945.

Safe patient handoff

From 7 to 8 a.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m., nurses pass important information on to the next nurse who will be caring for your loved one. This reporting of information occurs at the bedside of the patient. We welcome one to two people, identified by the patient, to remain in the room during this reporting time. We ask that you save your questions until after the report has been completed as interruptions can cause omission of information.

Visitation

Our visitation guidelines are designed to meet your loved one’s need for rest, safety and privacy. A calm, quiet environment is an essential part of the healing process. It is also necessary to protect the privacy and preserve the dignity of all patients in the ICU.

We recognize the importance of family in the healing process. As partners in care, we will do everything in our power to walk alongside you through this difficult journey. It is our goal to give you as much access as possible to your loved one in this time of need.

Access

The ICU is a locked unit. This is for your loved one’s safety. Please speak to the volunteer staff or use the telephone by the entrance to request permission to enter the unit.

A maximum of two visitors in the patient’s room at one time. This is requested in order to best facilitate your loved one’s care.

Children under the age of 14 require special consideration before visiting patient rooms. Please coordinate with the nurse. For everyone’s safety and comfort, we ask that young children and infants remain with an adult in the family waiting areas.

General information

  • Proper hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. Please use the antiseptic gel provided or wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER visiting your loved one.
  • Cell phone use should be kept to a minimum while in the ICU. Please set your phone to vibrate for incoming calls.
  • Please use the call light if you need assistance.
  • Avoid lingering in hallways. This is to protect other patients’ privacy. You may be asked to leave your loved one’s room at certain times for reasons of safety, infection control, privacy or during certain procedures or treatments. Please remain in the family waiting room during these instances.
  • Photography of any kind is prohibited unless authorized by the patient or legal next of kin.
  • Mylar balloons, pictures and cards are always welcomed and encouraged. However, for the safety of our patients, plants, flowers and latex balloons are not allowed.
  • After your loved one is admitted to the ICU, please take all his/ her valuables, clothing and home medications with you.

Spending time with your loved one

  • Do touch your loved one’s hand.
  • Do talk to your loved one and remind him or her of the date and time.
  • Do bring pictures.
  • Do ask your nurse before giving your loved one food or drink.
  • Do respect the privacy of other patients by not standing in the hallway and return to the waiting room if asked to step out of the patient’s room.
  • Do not visit if you are sick.
  • Be positive and supportive. Let your loved one know you are there to help.

Caring Bridge

Set up an online site about your loved one to keep family and friends connected and up to date. Please visit caringbridge.org.

Waiting room area

Two waiting areas are available and must be shared by family and visitors for all ICU patients. We suggest the main lobby for additional seating. Please notify any volunteer or staff member if the ICU waiting areas are too crowded so we can assist you in finding a place where you can comfortably wait.

Food options

Visit our Meals page for all available options.

We request that food items be eaten in the deli or cafeteria areas.

Accommodations

We understand that you wish to spend time with your loved one and we welcome your presence. It may be hard for you to leave, but it is important that you remain healthy and rested as your support and caring are essential to your loved one.

We encourage family members to go home and rest after 10 p.m.

There are a number of hotels nearby that offer reduced rates to families of patients. Please see a volunteer or staff member for a hotel list.