Critical Care
When a loved one is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), it can be an overwhelming experience. At Self Regional Healthcare, our critical care teams provide advanced monitoring, specialized treatment, and compassionate care for patients with serious illnesses or injuries.
We understand the importance of keeping families informed and involved throughout the patient’s stay. This guide provides helpful information about what to expect during a stay in our critical care units.
Our Critical Care Units
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
The ICU provides specialized care for patients with serious medical conditions, injuries, or those recovering from major procedures requiring close monitoring and advanced treatment.
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
The CICU provides specialized care for patients recovering from cardiac procedures, heart surgery, heart attacks, and other complex cardiovascular conditions requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.
What to Expect After Admission
When a patient arrives in the ICU or CICU, physicians and nurses must first assess the patient’s condition and begin treatment. During this time, family members may be asked to wait in the designated waiting area while the care team completes these important initial steps.
Because space is limited in patient rooms, we encourage family members to take most personal belongings home for safekeeping and notify nursing staff of any items removed.
To help facilitate communication, we recommend designating:
- One primary family spokesperson to receive updates from the care team
- A password that can be shared with approved family members and friends for information updates
Patient privacy regulations require authorization before information can be shared.
Understanding the Critical Care Environment
Critical care units are busy environments filled with advanced medical equipment designed to closely monitor patients. You may notice alarms, monitors, medication pumps, and other specialized equipment at your loved one’s bedside.
While these sounds can be concerning, many alarms are routine. Our nurses are specially trained to monitor and respond appropriately to all equipment alerts. If you have questions about what you see or hear, please ask a member of the care team.
Visitation Information
Family and friends play an important role in the healing process.
Visiting Hours
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily
Please note that visitation may be temporarily restricted during:
- Emergencies
- Procedures or treatments
- Changes in patient condition
The patient’s physician or nurse may modify visitation guidelines when necessary.
Overnight Visitation
Rest is essential for recovery. Overnight visitation is determined based on the patient’s condition. When appropriate, one adult visitor (18 or older) who can care for themselves may stay overnight.
Visitor Guidelines
To help maintain a safe and healing environment:
- A maximum of two visitors may be at the bedside at one time.
- Children under 13 are generally not permitted to visit. Special arrangements may be made in certain circumstances.
- Visitors ages 13 and older must be accompanied by a responsible adult if appropriate and follow all infection prevention requirements.
- Please keep voices low and minimize noise.
- Cell phones should be silenced.
- No video or audio recording is permitted.
- Food and beverages should not be brought into patient rooms.
- Personal belongings should be kept to a minimum.
Infection Prevention
Protecting patients is a shared responsibility.
Visitors should:
- Clean their hands before entering and after leaving a patient’s room.
- Follow any isolation precautions, including wearing gowns, masks, or other protective equipment when required.
- Avoid visiting if experiencing symptoms of illness.
- Be aware that additional restrictions may be implemented during flu season or other public health concerns.
Live flowers are not permitted in ICU or CICU patient rooms.
Daily Routine and Quiet Time
Critical care units operate around the clock with ongoing treatments, procedures, and patient monitoring.
Nursing Shift Change
Nursing staff change shifts at:
- 7:00 a.m.
- 7:00 p.m.
Family members should expect limited availability from nursing staff during:
- 6:30–8:30 a.m.
- 6:30–8:30 p.m.
as patient handoff and care coordination occur during these times.
Quiet Time
To promote healing and rest, quiet time is observed daily:
- 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- 11:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m.
During these hours, lights may be dimmed and televisions turned off. Visitors are welcome to remain but should help maintain a quiet environment.
Important Contact Information
ICU: (864) 725-4950
CICU: (864) 725-7022
ICU/CICU Nurse Manager: (864) 725-7026
ICU/CICU Director of Nursing: (864) 725-4962
Self Regional Healthcare: (864) 725-4111
Critical Care Office: (864) 725-7088