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Visiting the ICU

Visiting the ICU

Having a loved one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can be stressful and emotionally overwhelming for family and friends. It’s easy to feel confused by all the unfamiliar medical equipment and terminology. Don't be surprised if your loved one looks or acts different than usual. This may be caused by their medical condition or medications. Be prepared to see lots of wires, tubes, and equipment. Don’t worry if an alarm goes off: this lets the nurses know something needs to be checked. If you have a question, concern, or special request, please don’t hesitate to ask our staff.

Visiting Hours

We accept visitors in the ICU any time EXCEPT during shift changes, when the nurses need to update each other about patients’ conditions. To respect patient privacy, we may ask you to step out at the following times:

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am

  • 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Please group non-emergency requests before or after change of shift.

Visitor Policy

  • Visiting is generally limited to immediate family members and significant others.
  • No more than three people can visit a patient at a time.
  • Please keep visits short, as rest and sleep are essential for ICU patients.
  • Children under 12 are allowed to visit only with advance approval by the nursing staff.
  • Overnight stays in the patient's room or the waiting room are not permitted (except for parents of critically ill children).

When You Arrive

When you get to the ICU waiting area, please use the phone on the wall to call the nurses' station. Most of the time, we will let you right in. If we are busy with your loved one, we may ask you to go to our waiting room for a few minutes. To get into the ICU, go around the corner to the double doors. Push the big button to the right of the doors, and they will open.

Calling for an Update

In order to give our nurses maximum time with their patients, we ask families to designate a point person to call us so we don't receive multiple calls for the same patient. The point person can then update loved ones as needed. Please do not call during shift changes (7:00 am – 8:00 am & 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm).