Mercy's Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit (P.I.C.U.)
Children are admitted to our P.I.C.U. when extra attention is warranted. Mercy's P.I.C.U. nurses are specially trained to care for critically ill children. That care includes routines that are necessary to recognize the sometimes subtle changes in your child's condition.
A registered nurse is present at all times to ensure your child receives quality care.
We do everything we can to minimize moving young patients from one room to another, and our facilities - beds, rooms and equipment - are set up accordingly. If your child "graduates" from I.C.U., he or she will remain on the Pediatrics Unit, cared for by the same nurses. That continuity of care helps your child - and you - feel as comfortable as possible.
Mercy's P.I.C.U. provides family centered care, supporting the family as the child's care provider. We are here to serve you, and to be sensitive to the child's and the family's needs. We work with you to care for your child.
What to Expect
- All children are placed on a cardiac/respiratory monitor. The patches on your child's chest connect to monitors near the bed and at the nurse's station, and provide a reading of your child's heart and respiratory rates.If the rates are not within the limits set for your child, a monitor alarm will sound and the nurse will quickly respond. It's possible for the monitor to ring, but your child is fine. This could be because the cable is disconnected or the patches need to be replaced.
- Your child's vital signs will be taken frequently. This includes checking your child's temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure and may include reflexes or other parameters. Checking vital signs tells us how your child's body is coping with the stress of illness or injury.
- Other medical equipment may be used to provide care for your child. An intravenous line (I.V.) provides your child with fluids and medicine. An I.V. pump monitors fluid being administered. A P.I.C.U. nurse can answer questions about any of the equipment around your child's bed.
- Although your child may be very ill, we strive to offer a homelike environment. Television, videos and music are available to soothe and entertain. You are welcome to bring favorite items, such as a special toy or blanket.
Visitation
The goal of P.I.C.U. is healthy children and parents. That's why we've established these guidelines for visits:
- Parents may visit their child at any time. Other family members are encouraged to follow hospital visiting hours (11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). The P.I.C.U. nurse may restrict visitors as the child's condition warrants.
- Please use the waiting area to visit with friends or relatives who come to see you and your child. Please do not visit in the hallways outside the P.I.C.U., as there may be lots of traffic and occupied patient rooms nearby.
- Space is limited around your child's bed. Please keep this in mind as your child receives flowers, balloons and gifts. Consider taking some items home.
- Depending on your child's condition, sleeping arrangements can be made for one parent at your child's bedside, or in a room in the Pediatrics Unit. Your P.I.C.U. nurse will help you determine the best choice for your situation. If you are unable to stay with your child, you can designate another adult family member or friend to take your place.
- If your child's condition requires isolation, you will be asked to take special precautions, such as wearing a gown, gloves and/or mask.
- Good hand-washing is a necessity for your child's and your own protection.
- There may be times when you will be asked to leave your child's bedside so certain procedures or treatments may be done. You can wait in the nearby lounge or visit the cafeteria or gift shop. Please do not feel you need to stay with your child continuously. You need a break, too!
- You may wish to be present when your child's physician examines your child. Ask your nurse what time the physician will make rounds.
- Parents may ask about their child's condition at any time by calling (319) 398-6520. Please do not give this number to relatives or friends, as the staff cannot release confidential information. Please tell them you will inform them at a convenient time.
- No smoking is allowed in Mercy Medical Center. There is a smoking area available outside the 10th Street entrance of the hospital.
Transfer/Discharge
Your child will be transferred to a room on the general Pediatrics floor once his or her condition has stabilized. (Occasionally, a child may be discharged directly from P.I.C.U.)
The nurses will continue to observe your child. Please communicate any concerns or questions to your child's nurse. We want this to be as positive an experience as possible for you and your child because at Mercy Medical Center, we truly do care in a special way for special kids.
