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Detailed Needs and Requirements: Intensive Care Units
The specialists responsible for an intensive or cardiac care unit should
be readily available to the unit while the hospital. Facilities for eating,
sleeping, and a relaxing as well as office and conference space on or
near the unit may be required for this physician.
Attending physicians may likewise need to stay on or near the unit
during periods of emergency or potential emergency and may also
need facilities for sleeping, eating and relaxing.
Because of the potential for a rapid change in patient condition, the
results of diagnostic procedures should be quickly available to
physicians. For example a maximum of two to four hours may be
allowable for routine clinical laboratory test results; however, test
results may be required within minutes during emergencies.
Physicians may require privacy in the unit for discussions with patients
and relatives and conferences with the nursing staff, students and
colleagues.
3. Residents and Interns
Residents carry out the same general activities as specialists in
intensive care or cardiac care units. Some are assigned to units and
require office space and access to conference facilities and, possibly,
facilities for sleeping, eating, and relaxing while on duty. Others
attending patients in the unit may require similar facilities for eating,
sleeping, or relaxation.
Residents carry out the same general activities as specialists. Interns
may assume patient care responsibilities under the supervision of
residents or specialist. Facilities should be available for the use of
residents and interns for charting, diagnostic study, discussion, etc.
Residents may be assigned office space on some units. Access to
conference space plus facilities for eating, sleeping and relaxation may
be desired.
4. Nursing Staff
Nurses on an intensive or cardiac care unit are highly skilled in their
knowledge of nursing procedures and their ability to manipulate the
complex equipment required. They work under considerable pressure
in an environment where disappointment is frequently encountered.
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