|
We’re here for you
The nurses and staff in the ICU have completed advanced training in life support and critical care. The high nurse to patient ratio of one nurse to two patients assures you or your loved one are receiving the care needed.
The professional medical staff at GRMC understands the healing of the whole body. We encourage families to participate as fully as possible in the recuperation of the patient.
Upon discharge from the unit, the nurse will notify family of the room reserved for the patient in the medical-surgical area. Requests for private rooms will be filled according to availability. Nursing staff will assist you in accommodations specific to that unit.
A discharge planning nurse will meet with the patient and family, if the patient will be returning home. This staff member will assist in directions for care at home and can assist in make arrangements for home care services and identifying community services available to the patient.
If you have any question while being our guest, please feel free to ask the ICU nurses. Our staff is prepared to assist you.
Admission and Visitation
Upon admission to the ICU, the patient’s condition is evaluated and an assessment is completed. The nurse will administer an intravenous solution (IV). Electrodes, (small, sticky patches) are positioned on the patient’s chest and wires are connected. This allows for constant monitoring of the patient’s heart function. Other tests and monitoring systems may be connected to the patient, depending on the patient’s condition.
GRMC requests that the patient’s clothing, money, and valuables be taken home. Valuables may also be kept in the hospital’s safe. Contact an ICU nurse for information.
The family may visit the patient as soon as the patient is assessed and treatments started. One or two family members may visit for five to 10 minutes per hour. Prior to entering the ICU for a visit, visitors should call the ICU nurses station, at 6383 from the ICU waiting room. Visiting time is restricted because the patient requires rest to aid in the healing process. Visiting privileges are extended to clergy.
Waiting Room
Family members, relatives, or friends may wait in the private ICU waiting lounge, located next to the ICU. The nursing staff will call for you in this area. Pagers are available at the nurses desk for families to use if leaving the hospital for a short time, for example, to eat a meal.
We understand the patient’s need for family support and its role in recovery. When the new Candace Packard Lambie ICU was created in 2003, great effort went into creating an area for family and friends. The lounge features three semi-private seating sections for greater privacy, shower facilities, vending machines, televisions, and a pay phone. It also has a private consultation room for discussions with physicians and healthcare providers.
Telephone Calls
Patients may receive telephone calls. Incoming calls may be made to the nurses station in the ICU at 641-236-2336. Please allow plenty of time for the nurse to answer because she or he may be with a patient when you call. We request that phone calls be limited to the immediate family.
Gifts for Patients
Meeting the high level of infection control standards required in an ICU, flowers and balloon arrangements are not allowed in the patient’s room. If arrangements arrive, they will be placed in the waiting area. To reduce the risk of patients and healthcare workers experiencing a latex reaction, latex balloons are not allowed in the medical center.
Food Service
Family and friends will find coffee, tea, and other beverages, free of charge, available 24 hours a day in the cafeteria. Vending machines are located in the ICU waiting lounge as well as the emergency department waiting area. The cafeteria is located on the first floor. It is open for breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to purchase meals.
GRMC is also home to the Corner Cafe, which serves hot and cold sandwiches, snack items, malts, beverages, and breakfast items. It is located on the first floor by the gift shop. Orders may be placed with the Corner Cafe on Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. A menu is located in the ICU waiting area and orders may be called in by dialing ext. 2995.
Guest Accommodations
The medical center is a smoke-free environment. Visitors wishing to smoke must go outside to a designated smoking area.
An automatic teller machine (ATM) is located on the first floor, near the main entrance.
A pay phone is located in the ICU lounge as well as in the emergency waiting area and on the first floor.
A Place to Retreat
GRMC has a Healing Garden on the southeast side of the medical center. This garden was designed as a place to retreat, relax, and recharge. You may access the garden through the first floor, east wing entrance.
The Mitchell Medication Room is located on the second floor, near the medical-surgical nurses station. This beautiful, tranquil room provides a quiet place to retreat and meditate while at GRMC.
|
