The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) is a place for patients who have heart-related illnesses.  The Unit is designed to limit stress, ensuring each patient receives appropriate rest and relaxation. 

 

Adult patients who are typically admitted to the CCU suffer from a variety of critical cardiac conditions, including heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, severe dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock requiring frequent hemodynamic monitoring, specialized diagnostic treatments, frequent observations and specialized intensive care nursing. 

 

Nurses who provide care on the unit have received special certification and training and are required to complete critical care competencies to maintain their level of expertise.  Rest assured that taking care of the patient is the number one priority of the entire staff.

 

Transferring to Another Unit

Length of stay in the CCU varies for each patient and is determined by their individual progress.  After the diagnosis is complete, the patient may be transferred to the Progressive Care Unit, where progress will continue to be monitored.  The decision to transfer a patient out of CCU involves the physician and nursing staff.  They carefully consider the patient’s physical condition and nursing care needs and then determine the best type of nursing unit for continued care.

 

Before the patient is discharged, the physician may order cardiac rehabilitation.  The rehabilitation nurse will meet with the patient and family to explain the heart problem and design a home care treatment plan individualized to meet the needs of the patient.

 

 

When Questions Arise… Just Ask

All patients and family members are encouraged to ask questions.  Whether there is something unclear or simply a curiosity, never hesitate to ask.  Nurses and staff members are willing and happy to answer questions and listen to concerns.  The patient’s nurse manages all of the care and is able to refer to other members of the health care team when necessary.  The physician is updated daily and will be happy to explain anything regarding medical condition.

 

The CCU is a highly technical environment that is full of activity and things that are sometimes difficult to understand.  Equipment may be frightening or even overwhelming.  All patients have their heart monitored at all times.  The bedside monitor looks at one side of the heart and electrocardiograms (EKG) look at the entire heart.  A stethoscope will be used to identify vital signs such as pulse, respiration and blood pressure.  The equipment is designed to gather information and assist the health care team in providing the best possible treatment for each patient.

 

The more patients and family members understand about various procedures and equipment, the greater the comfort level is for everyone.  So when questions arise… just ask.

 

Patient Guidelines

Because the comfort and safety of the patient is our number one concern, we ask that all visitors follow some basic guidelines.

 

• Flowers and plants are not permitted in the CCU.  This aids in preventing possible risk of infection.
• A limited number of personal items should be kept in the patient’s room.  These can include slippers, robe, dentures and glasses.  If there is something else that is needed, please talk with the patient’s nurse.
• Visitors must check with the patient’s nurse before bringing food, beverages or candy for the patients.  This is extremely important as the diet of each patient is carefully monitored. Lakewood Hospital is a non-smoking facility. 
• Visitors must leave the campus to smoke.
• There are no telephones in the patient rooms of the CCU.  However, family members of patients may call the nursing station any time of the day or night to check on a patient’s present condition.  (We do request that only one member of the family be designated to call the patient’s nurse for updates to limit the amount of time the nurse spends away from the patient).

 

 

Visiting Guidelines
Visiting hours are restricted to ensure all patients receive the comprehensive care and treatment they need.  It also allows patients to get as much rest as possible between evaluations and procedures.

 

Visiting hours for the CCU are: 

We do understand that restricted visiting hours may cause a problem for some family members.  If an alternative visitation schedule is needed, please speak with the patient’s nurse.

 

We ask that all family members adhere to the following guidelines:

• Only immediate family members are permitted to visit patients
• Only two visitors at a time are permitted in the patient’s room
• Visitors under the age of 14 are not permitted to visit the CCU
• To limit the risk of infection, visitors are asked not sit on the patient’s bed
• An intercom is located near the doors that lead to the CCU. To ensure patient privacy, we ask that no one enter the unit before receiving permission via the intercom (even if the doors are open).

 

 

To learn more about CCU, please contact the Clinical Nurse Manager at 216.227.2421.