The American Association of Critical Care Nurses establishes standards of care and practice for the care of the critically ill patient.
FLORIDA HOSPITAL - Zephyrhills
CRITICAL CARE (ICU and PCU) NURSE’S STANDARDS OF CARE
(Adapted from AACN)
ASSESSMENT – The Nurse caring for acute and critically ill patients collects relevant patient health data.
• Data collection involves the patient, family and other healthcare providers as appropriate
• Admission Assessment for ICU and PCU patients will be initiated within five (5) minutes of admission to the unit and will be completed within one (1) hour of admission.
• The Assessment is systematic and ongoing
• A physical reassessment is completed every two (2) hours and as the patient’s condition warrants for the ICU patient every four (4) hours and as the patient’s condition warrants for the PCU patient
DIAGNOSIS – The nurse caring for acute and critically ill patients analyzes the assessment data and works in collaboration with the patient’s physician(s) and other caregivers in determining diagnoses.
OUTCOME IDENTIFICATION – The nurse caring for acute and critically ill patients identifies individualized, expected outcomes for the patient.
• Outcomes are mutually formulated with the patient, family and other healthcare providers when possible and appropriate
• Outcomes are attainable in relation to the resources available to the patient
• Outcomes are measurable and will include a time estimate when possible
PLANNING – The nurse caring for acute and critically ill patients develops a plan of care that prescribes interventions to attain expected outcomes.
• The plan is individualized to reflect the patient’s characteristics and needs
• The plan is developed collaboratively with the patient, family and other healthcare providers
• The plan provides for continuity of care
IMPLEMENTATION – The nurse caring for acute and critically ill patients implements interventions identified in the Plan of Care.
• Interventions/nursing care is delivered in a manner that minimizes complications and life-threatening situations
EVALUATION – The nurse caring for acute and critically ill patients evaluates the patient’s progress toward attaining expected outcomes.
• Evaluation is systematic, ongoing, and criterion-based