At Valley Baptist - Harlingen's Intensive Care Units we work hard to create a warm and friendly environment for both patients and families.  Our staff is dedicated to providing excellent care and helping patients and families through difficult times.  We also encourage questions, input and information that may be helpful in providing better care to our patients.

Seeing a Patient for the First Time

Patients often may have multiple tubes and lines in place when he or she is in the ICU. There are many variations of the types of tubes and monitors required. Most of these devices are temporary and may be removed when they are no longer needed.

When a loved one is in intensive care it is hard to find words to say. However, you should speak normally, but keep in mind that the patient may not be able to respond, either because of the placement of a breathing tube that does not allow the patient to speak, or because of medications or altered awareness. You should still speak with your loved one even if he or she is in a disoriented state or coma. If the patient is alert, and has a breathing tube and can not speak, use simple yes or no questions in which the patient can nod. If the patient is able, help write short answers on a pad of paper. Occasionally over stimulation may temporarily affect vital signs unfavorably. The staff will instruct you on how to be supportive in other ways.

Visiting Policy

We ask you to adhere to the following:

• A family spokesperson will be identified and information regarding the patient’s medical condition will be communicated to this individual within the HIPPA (Health Information Protection and Privacy Act) guidelines.
• Open visitation will be available from 8:30am to 6:45pm and 7:30pm to 6:30am.
• ON admission, the visitation times will be set between the family and the nurse that will best meet the needs of the patient, family, and caregivers.
• Four visitors are allowed for 30 minutes and maybe modified depending on the patient’s condition.
• Children 13 years or over will be allowed to visit. Exceptions maybe allowed depending on the patient’s condition.
• Cell phones must be turned off while in the ICU.
• In the event of an emergency/procedure, visitors maybe asked to step out of the unit.
• To abide by the Infection Control policy, eating will not be allowed in the waiting rooms. Due to space limitations, two visitors per family per patient may stay in the waiting room at all times if they desire. Other family members may stay in the lobby.

How Long Should I Visit?

Familiarize yourself with the visiting policy of the intensive care units. The nursing staff can often help you with this decision. Both visitors and patients need rest, quiet time, and nutrition. Poor nutrition and lack of sleep will make you weak, able to think less clearly, and feel the effects of stress more strongly.

Interacting with the Intensive Care Team

The intensive care unit is a busy noisy environment. There are many alarms, monitors, and devices. Watching everything that happens here may raise many questions. Doctors, nurses, therapists, and other staff members are here to answer any questions that you might have. There are no wrong questions. While under stress it is often difficult to understand and remember unfamiliar information. It is encouraged to ask as many questions as needed.

Helpful Hints

• We encourage family and friends to go home at night to rest.
   
• We encourage family member to take home any valuables you may have.
   
• All units are staffed by registered nurses who have specialized training in the needs of critically ill patients.
   
• Absolutely no live plants are allowed in any ICU. Flowers carry pollen and bacteria that can aggravate illness.