The pediatric intensive care unit is a specialized unit that cares for patients between the ages of birth through 18 years. Some children require this expert care for a short time, while others may remain in the PICU for many weeks. This time is very stressful for families. Many parents feel a need to be with their child as much as possible. We encourage you to visit as often as possible. Siblings that are 8 years of age and older may visit as well. You will be asked to complete a sibling visitation form. All other visitors must be 12 years or older. There is a team of healthcare professionals working together to care for your child. This team includes the intensive care physician, nurse, social worker, child life specialist, respiratory therapists and other therapists. Each day, the team will “round” on every child in the unit and discuss the plan of care for that day.
Entering the PICU
Before entering the PICU, pick up the phone located on the wall outside the unit. Give your name and your child’s name to let the staff know that you are here to visit. The message will be given to your child’s nurse, who will let you know if it is a good time to visit. If the doors are open, please still use the phone, as we occasionally temporarily close visitation due to emergencies or surgeries in the unit.
Visiting Hours
We welcome visitors at most any time except for the following: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM (shift change) 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (shift change) During these times, the two primary caregivers may remain at the bedside, with the door closed. To ensure the privacy of our patients, during this time there will be no entry or leaving the room allowed, as we give report outside the rooms. Occasionally, we will temporarily close the unit to all visitors for special procedures, surgery or new admission.
Visitation Policy
The visitation policy is in place to ensure your child’s privacy as well as safety. The following guidelines will help you plan for your visit.
- Three visitors are permitted at the patient’s bedside at one time.
- Visitors may not be allowed to enter if they are ill.
- Every visitor must wash their hands when they enter and leave the patient’s room.
- There is no eating in the PICU, except the hospital provided tray for breast feeding mothers. Covered drinks are allowed.
- Cell phones must be turned off in the PICU.
- There is no sleeping at the patient’s bedside.
- Potted plants and latex balloons are not allowed in the PICU.
PICU Amenities
The following amenities are available in the PICU for your convenience.
- Breast pumps are available.
- In room phones will dial locally by first pressing 9 then your local phone number.
- The rooms may be called directly at 504-842-82__ __ (enter room number into the blank spaces)
- Televisions and radios are in each room but should be kept to a reasonable volume, so as not to disturb other patients.
- Restrooms are in each room.
- There are showers available near the waiting room.
Overnight Accommodations
The PICU staff or social worker will do our best to assist you with arranging your overnight stay while your child is here in our unit. The following are some options for overnight stays.
- Brent House Hotel
- Ronald McDonald House
- 5th floor beds (limited availability) – visit room 708 to reserve a bed
