Critical Care Services

Each patient has a primary physician (the one who admitted the patient) and may have one or more consulting specialists. Many critical care patients have diseases or conditions related to the respiratory tract and respiratory disease, and may be treated by pulmonolgists (lung specialists).

Our critical care nurses are trained to meet the needs of serioiusly ill patients, including how to operate special medical equipment. A nurse is present at all times to give care and monitor patients. Nurses make rounds many times a day, delivering specialized care, monitoring patients’ blood pressure and pulses, and assessing lungs, heart, stomach, and other important body functions. Nurses also perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and draw blood for lab work.

Respiratory therapists set up oxygen equipment when needed, give special breathing treatments and make ventilator changes as ordered by the physician.

CNAs help the nurses by checking vital signs, bathing patients, changing linen, answering call lights, transporting and assisting with procedures. They also perform EKGs and draw blood for lab work.

Social workers provide support during the patient’s hospital stay. If you need assistance with prescriptions, parking, or other details, ask the receptionist or your nurse to contact a social worker for you.

Chaplains are available at any time and provide spiritual support for patients and families of any faith tradition. If you would like to speak with a chaplain, ask the receptionist or your nurse to call. Our acute-care facilities also have chapels or designated quiet spaces for meditation that are open 24 hours a day.

Other Critical Care team members may include dietitians, pharmacists, case manager/coordinators and physical therapists.