ICU
The ICU, or intensive care unit, is the department of the hospital where you can receive specialized care and monitoring from multidisciplinary care teams. You may need to be in the ICU during times of critical illness or after certain surgeries, to ensure you recover fully.
Critical care medicine in Aventura, Florida
When you or a loved one needs critical care, we are here to provide compassionate, 24/7 support and treatment.
At HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, our critical care/intensive care unit (CCU/ICU) is equipped with a team of critical care medicine specialists and advanced technology. Here, we provide around-the-clock care for people with severe injuries and illnesses near Sunny Isles Beach. Our hospital also provides specialized critical care units for cardiac, neurological, surgical and traumatic medical conditions. Throughout intensive treatment, we collaborate with our patients, their families and case managers to provide effective critical care.
Our intensive care services
Throughout intensive treatment, we collaborate with our patients, their families and case managers to provide effective critical care.
Specialized intensive care
To ensure we can provide the type of critical care our patients need, we have specialized units, including:
- Coronary care unit
- Neurosurgical ICU
- Surgical ICU (SICU)
- Trauma and burn ICU (TBICU)
Our critical care team
Our goal is to help patients through critical situations and assist in their recovery so they can return to the life they led prior to the traumatic event. Our CCU/ICU team includes:
- Blood drawing and IV team
- Case managers
- Critical care nurses
- Critical care physicians
- Emergency physicians, nurses and technicians
- Imaging technicians
- Occupational therapists
- Paramedics
- Patient representatives
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists
- Respiratory therapists
- Speech therapists
- Surgeons and anesthesiologists
- Other medical specialists, as needed
Advanced directives
We recommend patients have the following documents so they can clearly communicate their wishes to their loved ones and healthcare providers:
- A living will: a document that gives instructions for preferred care of a terminally ill patient
- A healthcare proxy (or durable power of attorney): a document that names another person who can make decisions about a patient's care if he or she are unable to do so
Discharge planning
Case managers serve as our patients' primary points of contact regarding discharge planning issues. Case managers will assess patient needs, determine what post-hospital care is needed and may coordinate with insurance providers regarding care and discharge.
Critical care visitor information
We understand the importance of visiting a loved one in intensive care and understanding their care plan. We encourage your questions and concerns, and we ask that you follow guidelines and visiting hours put in place for the well-being of all our patients.
CCU/ICU visiting hours
Our visiting hours are as follows:
- Visiting hours are from 11:00am to 6:30pm.
- "Goodnight visits" are permitted for immediate family members only from 7:15pm to 8:00pm.
Guidelines for visitors
Visiting a loved one in intensive care for the first time may be intimidating. To help visitors feel more comfortable, we offer the following suggestions:
- Don't be afraid to touch the patient. If you are fearful of the equipment, ask a nurse for assistance. A reassuring touch may be the best thing you can give your loved one in need.
- Be positive and supportive. Try to control your own discomfort as much as possible. Let the patient know that you are there to help.
- Don't touch the equipment. If you think there’s a problem with one of the machines, ask a treatment team member for help. Do not try to fix the machine yourself.
- Share the good wishes and support of friends and family with the patient. This information can provide encouragement and expedite the healing of your loved one.
- Ask the patient's nurse about the CCU/ICU's policy on gifts and personal items. Family pictures, blankets, stuffed animals and favorite books might bring comfort to a patient and a special gift might raise their spirits. However, the CCU/ICU does not allow fresh flowers or plants in patient rooms.
Caring for yourself and a loved one in critical care
When a loved one becomes an ICU patient, you may feel the desire to stop taking care of yourself and completely focus on your loved one in need. However, to provide them with the best support possible, it's important for you to stay healthy and strong. This means continuing to eat properly, getting sufficient rest and taking care of your personal needs.
Some family members are afraid to ever go home. If you are not sure it is wise to leave, talk with the critical care team. Someone will be there with your loved one, and if anything changes, you will be notified immediately. The unit staff will do their best to accommodate your and your family's needs.