Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit
(CTICU)
(CTICU)
Description of Patient Population
- Adult patients who have had any type of cardiothoracic or transplant surgery (heart and/or lung) requiring frequent hemodynamic monitoring, specialized diagnostic treatments, frequent observations, and specialized intensive care nursing.
- Common procedures in unit: intubation, bronchoscopy, endoscopy, tracheotomy, and pulmonary artery catheterization.
Number of Beds
- 8 bed unit.
Special Certification Requirements
- Nursing staff must complete the transplant course after orientation, and Intra-aortic Balloon Pump/Ventricular-assist Device certification within one year of employment and demonstrate annual competency.
Special Programs
- Active Shared Governance Council that impacts nursing practice in their unit in collaboration with the Patient Care Manager.
Staffing Patterns
- Staffing ratio is 1 – 1.5 patients/RN with one Nursing Care Technician in the unit as needed.
