The Critical Care Department at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital encompasses three patient care areas: intensive care unit (ICU); critical care unit (CCU) telemetry; and 5 South. Each of these units offers continuous and comprehensive monitoring based on the extent of the patient’s illness or disease.
The ICU/CCU treats critically ill patients, with a maximum nursing ratio of 2:1 (providing one nurse for every two patients).
The telemetry Unit serves as a unit between the ICU and the Medical/Surgical Unit. The Telemetry Unit maintains a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4, providing patients with continuous remote cardiac monitoring as well as other specialized care.
The Critical Care team uses a multi-disciplinary process to treat and care for each patient. Nurses, physicians, dieticians, pharmacists, social workers, case managers, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists work together to meet all of the patient’s needs. Every nurse working in the Critical Care Department is certified in advanced cardiac life support.