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 Many
different health care professionals provide care in the ICU.
The members of the ICU Care Team are dedicated to providing
the care required in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
for critically ill and injured patients.
Physicians
The Most Responsible Physician (MRP) is the physician in charge of the patient’s care during the current hospitalization. He or she communicates with other members of the team on a daily basis. The MRP may also consult with other physicians who are specialists in particular areas of medicine or surgery (such as heart, kidney, or lung specialists).
Nurses
Intensive Care nurses are the minute-to-minute critical care providers. They not only help to
provide, but also coordinate most aspects of care delivery. They have received specialized
training in caring for critically ill patients. Because care is delivered around the clock, you may
encounter numerous ICU nurses. They communicate with each other, the ICU physicians and
other members of the team regularly and in a coordinated fashion.
Respiratory Therapists Respiratory therapists have special training and experience in caring for patients with breathing problems. They work closely with the physician to develop a plan to support a patient’s breathing. They set up, monitor and maintain the breathing machines (mechanical ventilators), and they adjust these machines minute by minute and hour by hour to best meet the patient's needs. They also give breathing treatments, suction secretions from the breathing tubes and setup and maintain oxygen delivery devices and many other pieces of breathing equipment.
Pharmacists Pharmacists consult with the physician in selecting the right medicines at the correct dose for patients and also in monitoring drug levels in the body. Pharmacists also help to decrease medication side effects and provide valuable information to the team members.
Physical Therapists Physical Therapists are involved in the care of critically ill patients early on in their ICU stay. They help prevent disabilities and facilitate rehabilitation as soon as possible.
Dietitians Dietitians calculate the nutritional needs of the critically ill patient and consult with the physician to provide the patient with the best possible diet, whether orally or through a feeding tube. As nutrition is extremely important to the recovery of the critically ill patient, they closely monitor the nutritional balance on an ongoing basis and make changes according to the patient’s needs.
Medical Radiation Technologist Technologists specially trained in taking X-ray pictures are often found in the ICU with their X-ray equipment. They only take X-rays ordered by the physicians.
Medical Laboratory Technologist Technologists specially trained in obtaining blood samples for laboratory tests come to ICU when tests are ordered by the physicians.
Trauma Coordinator The Trauma Coordinator reviews the plan of care for each trauma patient and in consultation with the ICU Care Team, makes suggestions regarding patient needs. She also works closely with the patient and family, and provides teaching and information to the patient and family about the patient’s progress and expected outcomes. While visiting the patient each day, she works to help smooth the transition of the patient between various departments of the hospital as the patient moves through the rehabilitation process.
Social Worker Social workers provide professional assistance with the needs of patients and families. They can help to assess and determine what resources patients and families might be lacking, providing them with information on agencies to assist with various needs and generally assisting with other family difficulties.
Clinical Educator Clinical Educators are nurses who provide ongoing education for ICU nurses on new practices, protocols and on new equipment. They are up-to-date with the best practices in ICU and communicate with the Manager and with ICU nurses about all aspects of nursing practice and education. As an important part of their role, they provide a comprehensive orientation to nurses new to the ICU Care Team as well as providing continuing advice, support and education for all nurses in ICU.
Ward Clerk ICU Ward Clerks help with communication by answering the phones, processing physician orders and coordinating some of the patient activities in the ICU. They are good resources regarding the ICU and the hospital in general. Ward clerks are able to answer many questions, and if not, will direct you to someone who can.
Pastoral Care
Chaplains who serve in a non-denominational capacity are
available to minister to the spiritual needs of patients and
families. If you wish to speak with a chaplain, please ask
a nurse to call one for you. Don't hesitate to contact your
own clergy for support in this difficult time.
Manager Nurse Managers are nurses with additional experience and education, who are responsible for the day to day operations of the ICU. In addition to managing the ICU nursing staff, the ICU Nurse Manager is responsible for the ICU budget and nursing practices. Nurse Managers are responsible for ensuring that the care in the ICU is safe. She/he hires ICU nurses and ensures that all nursing staff members meet the standards established for their performance. She is also there to assist family members with their needs.
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