Intensive Care Unit FAQs

The doctors visit every ICU at least once a day if not multiple times a day. Because ICU patients’ conditions can change very quickly, the doctors may prioritize their visits based on patient needs. If you do not see the doctor, don’t worry. They are at the hospital 24/7 caring for your loved one. If you urgently need to speak with the doctor, a nurse can page them to the room. Keep in mind, emergency situations are their top priority.

In an emergency:

• Nurses contact doctors right away
• ICU nurses are trained to handle emergencies until the doctor arrives

There are two main reasons:

1. A bed in the next unit might not be ready yet
2. All specialists caring for your loved one need to agree it’s safe to move them

We encourage family members to speak to their loved ones. Please hold their hand and comfort them.

This can be a very hard question for anyone to answer. The nurses and doctors are doing everything in their power to try to get your loved one better and home again. 

It can help to talk with your care team about the goals for your loved one.

Many ICU medications can affect memory. Your loved one might not remember everything that happened here. See our guide on keeping a care journal for how to help them process their experience as they’re healing post ICU.

ICU nurses care for only two patients at a time. This ensures each patient gets the attention they need.

Read More About Your Loved One’s Care

It is encouraged to take breaks and rest, shower, and eat. You being healthy and alert is important to helping your loved one in this moment. Tips on Taking Care of Yourself 

Make a plan with your nurse team:

• Write your phone number on the room’s whiteboard
• Ask nurses to call you if anything changes

To ensure continual monitoring Nurses have alerts:

• In patient rooms
• At nurse stations
• On their phones (on-the-go)

They’re always listening for important alerts.

Nurses may rotate patients and work varying shifts. If a nurse works multiple days in a row, they may have the same patient. If you don’t have the same nurse, don’t worry. All ICU nurses in the unit are highly trained, and although you may like having the same nurse, a new nurse is another fresh set of eyes. Another person looking at the situation from another perspective is always good for patients.

Visitors are typically limited to make sure there’s enough room for doctors and nurses in case of an emergency.

Flowers and plants can carry germs or insects, which could be harmful in the ICU.

• Choose a family spokesperson to talk with the medical team
• Write down your questions before doctor visits
• Ask for explanations of medical terms you don’t understand
• Share important information about your loved one’s usual behaviors or preferences

Full guide for communicating with your care team

• Decide what information you want to share
• Consider using a communication app or group text to update everyone at once
• Remember, it’s okay to ask for help or support from your network

Guide to Keeping a Care Journal

Tips For Asking for Help