Nurse's Station

520

Detailed Needs and Requirements: Intensive Care Units

It may also be desirable to provide for acoustical as well as visual

isolation of patients in medical and surgical intensive care units;

however, the provision of such isolation should not limit the ability of

staff to observe patients or administer appropriate levels of routine or

emergency care. (See Figures 520-6 and 520-7).

3. Nurse's Station

The nurses' station should be located to permit direct visual

observation of all patients at all times. Monitor terminals at the nurses'

station should be located for easy visibility while not obstructing the

nurses' view of the patients. Space and facilities should be provided

for a clerk and for nurse and physician charting functions. Adequate

storage should be available in the nurses' station for patient's records

and clerical supplies. It should be possible for staff to converse without

disturbing patients. Lighting levels at the nurses' station should be

adequate for performance of staff duties; however, this lighting should

be controlled to eliminate glare or unnecessary distraction to the

patients. Facilities for storage and preparation of medications may

also be included as part of the nurses' station.

4. Toilet Rooms

Some patients in intensive or cardiac care units may be able to use

standard toilet facilities. One patient toilet room should be adequate

for the use of these patients.

5. Equipment Storage

Storage space should be provided for equipment used in the unit, e.g.,

portable toilet, in-bed scale, Stryker frame, external cardiac

6. Staff Facilities

Facilities may be required for on call staff to relax, sleep, and bathe

within the immediate area of intensive care or cardiac care units. A

minimum facility for such use would be one room with a bath which

might serve two or more units.

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