What is critical care medicine?
Critical care medicine is specialized care and monitoring that supports a patient’s recovery in our critical care unit or intensive care unit (ICU). Most patients in the ICU are very ill or recovering from a complex procedure. They need extra support and monitoring from a highly-trained team like ours.
An ICU for specialty care — in South Texas
Our 12-bed ICU has the newest technology to care for the most specialized conditions. And, our skilled team is educated and experienced in both emergency medicine and critical care medicine.
Critical care conditions we treat
One of our patients may be cared for in the ICU if they have:
- Fever, pain, and nausea or vomiting that does not go away or gets worse
- New symptoms related to a cancer diagnosis
- Severe cancer symptoms or side effects
- Specific care or rehabilitation needs after a procedure or surgery
ICU services
What to expect during an ICU stay
The goal of care in the ICU is to get you well enough to either return home or move to a less intensive hospital unit.
In the ICU, you may be connected to machines. Examples include a heart monitor or a ventilator to help you breathe. You will likely have tubes and wires around your bed that provide medications and monitoring. During your time in the ICU, your care team closely watches your health and well-being. With advanced laboratory and imaging service, the ICU team maintains accurate information about your condition at all times.
Each patient in the ICU has an assigned critical care nurse. Your nurse monitors the machines and medicines as well as your overall well-being, ensuring you always have what you need.
Learn more about what to expect during your hospital stay.
How long will I be in the ICU?
How long you stay in the ICU depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Your care team will help you know when you’re ready to leave the ICU.
What’s next after I leave the ICU?
When your care team confirms you are ready to leave the ICU, you may be transferred to another hospital unit, or you may be discharged from the hospital if you are well enough to go home. Your care team will keep you thoroughly informed and ensure you and your caregivers receive any special instructions before you leave the ICU.
Can I have visitors in the ICU?
We know how important a loved ones’ support is for recovery. Because patients in the ICU need extra rest and care, there are limits on how many guests may visit. For more information, view our visitor policy.
Your ICU providers
Your ICU team completes special training to work in the ICU. Your ICU team may include:
- An intensivist (also called a critical care doctor)
- Critical care nurses
- Emergency medicine specialists??
- Patient care technicians
- Registration staff
- Respiratory therapy staff
- Unit clerks
- Patient and family support staff, such as chaplains, social workers and care managers