what is picu

A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a specialized area within a hospital that provides the highest level of medical care to critically ill infants, children, teenagers, and young adults aged 0-21. The PICU is typically directed by one or more pediatric intensivists or PICU consultants and staffed by doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who are specially trained and experienced in pediatric intensive care. The PICU has a higher nurse-to-patient ratio than other parts of the hospital, which allows for intensive nursing care and continuous monitoring of things like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The physical environment of the PICU is designed to allow staff to constantly observe the patients they are caring for and to rapidly respond to any changes in the patients clinical status. Patients who are seriously ill, need intensive care, and whose medical needs cannot be met on the hospital's main medical floors are admitted to the PICU.