Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU)

Our 16-bed facility is one of only two PCICUs in the state. We care for infants, children, and young adults with a wide range of heart diseases. Our unit is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by physicians with specific training in critical and heart care. Our nurses are typically assigned to just one critically ill patient at a time, so each child receives nearly constant one-on-one attention.

Team of Dedicated Heart Specialists

Our providers -- including pediatric critical care doctors, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, occupational and physical therapists, speech therapists, pharmacists, child life specialists, social workers, and nutritionists, among others -- collaborate to provide customized care for your child. This team meets several times a day to evaluate your child’s status and plan next steps. 

Treatment and Safety Technology

Our rooms are equipped with innovative monitoring and safety tools designed to constantly assess and report your child’s condition. Advanced therapies are readily available to provide what your child needs at any given moment, including cardiac, respiratory, and renal support as well as other therapies. This includes extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO, a machine that partially or fully bypasses the heart and lungs to give them a chance to heal) and ventricular assist devices (VADs, which support the lower chambers of the heart). Further, our PCICU serves as a national leader in patient safety and performance initiatives.

Family Focus

We are strongly committed to family-centered care and clear and timely communication. We encourage family to be actively involved as members of your child’s care team and join in on daily rounds. We know that you know your child best, and we want your input. In addition, we want to accommodate family members as much as possible through what can be a challenging and scary time. Parents or other designated loved ones are welcome to stay with their child 24/7.