Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

This unit is designed for the care of critically ill children, and staffed by physicians and nurses with expertise in pediatric critical care. Working together as a team, we provide the highest quality of care in a compassionate, supportive environment.

Arrival

PICU is a controlled-access area, so please use the phone at the entrance to let the staff know you've arrived.

• When your child is admitted to the PICU, they'll be evaluated by a physician and nurse. You may be asked to wait in our family area during this time.
• A staff member will direct you to your child's room, where a nurse will ask you questions about your child's illness, allergies, likes and dislikes, etc.
• Please leave plants, flowers and latex balloons outside the unit for the safety and comfort of all our patients.
• When your child is a patient in the PICU, you and your family members may take advantage of the special play and activity rooms, as well as the family areas and amenities located on the third floor of the Children's Hospital.  

Your child's progress

• Call 503-413-2632 day or night to learn how your child is doing. If calling from Vancouver, dial 360-695-1281 and ask for the PICU.
• Please have friends and relatives contact you or a designee for updates. Due to federal law, we can only release information to parents.
• As your child improves they'll move to one of our pediatric inpatient units, which also feature specially trained pediatric staff to provide the best care possible for every young patient.

Visiting guidelines

• Parents may visit any time, although you may be asked to wait outside the unit when special procedures, treatments or evaluations occur.
• Please avoid calling or visiting the unit during shift changes (7:00-8:00 am and 7:00-8:00 pm) because nurses use this time to exchange important patient information.
• Parents may choose a relative or close friend to accompany them into the PICU.
• Only two people may visit at a time, and one of those must be a parent. Exceptions can be made during sibling visits, religious ceremonies, or times of crisis.
• Parents may designate up to six other family members or fiends who may visit when parents aren't present.
• Please talk with your child's nurse about sibling visits or special family needs.
• Pre-teen siblings must be with an adult at all times, in the unit or the family lounge.
• Family members and guests must be free of illness when visiting.
• Please designate one family member to convey patient information to other family and friends.
• Please respect the privacy of other patients and their families. Our staff cannot answer questions about other children in the unit.

Sleeping arrangements and meals

Family members are welcome and encouraged to stay in the room with their child. However, it's important to take breaks and get as much rest as possible. These alternate sleep facilities can help:

• Our Quiet Room provides a comfortable, tranquil place where families can sleep. Ask your nurse or the unit secretary for details and location.
• Ronald McDonald House East provides a "home away from home" for families and their seriously ill or injured children who travel far to receive treatment at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Guest Meals: We're happy to provide guest meals-just ask your nurse.