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.
Intensive care unit (ICU) in Davie, Florida
Intensive care needs personalized and compassionate care; we have that and more in one convenient location.
The ICU at HCA Florida University Hospital provides enhanced monitoring and services to treat people with critical conditions in Broward County. Our specialized team uses advanced medical technology and is available 24/7 to provide stabilization and support. We are committed to providing compassionate care and keeping patients and their families fully informed throughout their time in the ICU.
Our intensive care services
The ICU team at our hospital is equipped to treat the most seriously affected and medically unstable patients.
People may need intensive care for:
- Heart conditions, such as very low or high blood pressure, arrhythmias or heart attacks
- Lung and breathing conditions, such as acute asthma or severe pneumonia
- Neurological conditions, such as strokes, seizures and spinal cord injuries
- Recovery from intensive surgery
- Recovery from traumatic injuries
- Serious infections, such as sepsis
Advanced intensive treatment
Our goal is to ensure patients admitted to the ICU receive advanced medical care from a specially trained staff of ICU doctors and nurses. Once admitted to the ICU, a team of specialists decides on the most effective treatment options. If a patient is conscious and of sound mind, they will be directly involved in deciding on a treatment plan.
Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
This unit is for patients experiencing an injury or disease of the nervous system (brain, spine or nerves). The unit is staffed with board-certified physicians specializing in neurological care.
Surgical Intensive Care Unit
A patient may be admitted to our SICU if they need critical care and monitoring before and/or after surgery.
Medical monitoring
Patients in the ICU are usually monitored by at least one piece of advanced equipment, such as a heart trace or ventilator. Our specially trained staff of doctors and nurses monitor each patient around the clock. With advanced, 24/7 monitoring technology, the staff will be alerted if a patient needs immediate attention.
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 giving instructions for preferred care of a terminally ill patient.
- A healthcare proxy (or durable power of attorney): A document naming 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 point of contact regarding discharge planning issues. Case managers 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 you follow guidelines and visiting hours put in place for the well-being of all our patients.
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.