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    Critical Care Units

    Carefully Monitoring Seriously Ill Patients
    That’s why we’re here.

    The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a patient care area in the hospital where seriously ill patients are cared for by specially-trained staff. Seriously ill patients require closer observation and monitoring and may have special equipment in their room, depending on their unique situation.

    St. Francis has two intensive care units: the Cardiovascular ICU and the Medical-Surgical ICU. Below, we share helpful information for patients and family members.

     

    Establishing A Care Partner

    A Care Partner is the primary contact and decision-maker for the patient. Identifying one person who will serve as the Care Partner benefits the patient, family, and staff. The Care Partner will have greater access to information regarding the progress of the patient and will work as part of the ICU Care Team to ensure your loved one will have the most effective plan of care. This person is encouraged to keep other family and friends informed of the patient’s progress. This will all decrease the number of calls placed to the care team and allow them to spend more time at the bedside caring for your loved one.

     
     
     
     

    ICU Care Team

    You may see many staff members entering your loved one’s room. They all play an important role in delivering the highest standard of care to your loved one.

    This team includes the following, but can include more as needed:

    • Intensivists: Critical care physicians who provide comprehensive medical care to patients whose illnesses and or injuries require close monitoring.
    • Hospitalists: Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. They may assume your plan of care in lieu of your established primary care physician. Please note that they may be utilized in our Cardiovascular Step Down Unit, should your loved one transition to the Intermediate level of care, and follow your care throughout your hospital stay. If you do not have an established primary care provider, we will help to connect you with resources that may be able to assist with care and discharge needs.
    • Registered Nurses: Provide care for your loved ones around the clock at the bedside.
    • Respiratory Therapists: Manage the patient’s breathing and oxygen requirements.
    • Case Manager: Organize care and assist in discharge planning.
    • Nurse Techs: Assist the registered nurse in many aspects of patient care, such as taking temps, blood sugars, and providing patient hygiene.
    • Pharmacists: Process medications ordered by the physician.
    • Nutritionists: Assess and care for nutritional needs.
    • Secretaries: Help coordinate communication between families, staff, and visitors.
     
     

    Interdisciplinary Team Rounds

    Between 7 - 11 a.m., Interdisciplinary Team Rounds are conducted. During this time, the Critical Care team will go over the plan of care for your family member. We ask that only the Care Partner is present. This ensures communication is precise and consistent to provide the best care for your family member.

     
     

    Visitation Guidelines

     

    Next Steps

     

    Cardiovascular ICU

    One of two Critical Care Units at St. Francis -Emory Healthcare. 

    Call 706.320.8058

    Medical Surgical ICU

    One of two Critical Care Units at St. Francis - Emory Healthcare. 

    Call 706.596.4123

    Additional Services

    We are committed to providing a comprehensive approach to healthcare.

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