Adult Critical Care
Nurse Manager:
Joan Barrett, BSN, RN, CNA-BC, for MICU/CCU
Nurse Manager: Alison McKenzie, MA, RN, for CVCU/SICU
- Our adult critical care unit, which includes a 14-bed Medical/Coronary Intensive Care Unit and a 18-bed Surgical/Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, offers a unique opportunity for professional growth, complex and exciting challenges and a rich clinical environment for a lifetime of learning.
- Primary patient diagnoses, surgical procedures and treatment modalities include, but are not limited to:
- Cardiothorasic Surgeries
- Peripheral Vascular Surgeries
- General Surgery
- Ventricular Assist Devices
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
- Hypothermia Management Post Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac/ Respiratory Failure
- Multi-System Organ Dysfunction / Sepsis
- We asked our critical care nurses to describe what makes our critical care unit special and what is different from the rest. Their responses echo our philosophy and mission:
- Competent and Compassionate Patient Care
- Autonomy in Nursing Practice - Nurses are proactive and take the initiative in decision-making
- Patient Safety supported by a non-punitive culture
- Friendly, nurturing and caring staff
- Teamwork among the RNs and with physicians
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Quality of Nursing Leadership and Nursing staff - over 90% of our RNs have a BSN degree, many are in advanced degree career paths. Active membership and participation in professional and specialty organizations is encouraged
- Clinical Ladder Program rewards excellence and seniority
- Professional Practice Model - Nursing staff, at every level, can participate in a variety of committees and councils (such as Nursing Practice, QPI, Medication Safety, Recruitment/Retention) which use evidence-based practices and influence excellent patient care
- Clinical Resource Program - RNs with demonstrated expertise in specialty areas are identified and recognized. They are available any time of day or night to provide support, coaching and mentoring
- Ongoing Educational experiences and opportunities are available such as the Nurse Residency Program and Advanced Professional Development Programs
- Research comes alive as nationally recognized experts are invited to speak and facilitate our participation in research projects such as restraint use and advanced care planning
- Certifications (CCRN and others) are encouraged and rewarded
- We celebrate Promotions, Nursing Week, Critical Care Month
