Bonner General's ICCU nurses are true 'champions'

The patient’s body is breaking down because her blood sugar is so high; another patient suffers chest pains, or a third an internal infection that’s so bad it requires 24-hour monitoring by a registered nurse. These are just three of the many instances one might make a visit to the Intensive and Coronary Care Unit commonly called ICCU.

All of the nurses are specially trained, Trish Majszak, Bonner General Hospital’s ICCU manager, said. They are all expert in handling any types of codes within the hospital and are cross-trained to serve in all of the hospital’s medical departments providing extra help where needed.

Everyone has completed advanced cardiac life support training and pediatric advance life support certification before working in this department.

“We’re also lucky to have three critical care registered nurses on staff,” Majszak said. “It’s a very difficult certification to obtain, nurses prepare for a year prior to testing and complete at least 100 hours of continuous education units each year.”

All staff members are expected to demonstrate critical thinking skills. The ability to prevent trouble is to quickly identify early warning signs. Although there can be drama in the ICCU, the atmosphere is tranquil and calm.

Majszak mentioned that one of her favorite parts of her job is her co-workers and how well they work together. She said that there is a continuous air of camaraderie and cooperation.

Assessing and monitoring is a constant activity in the ICCU. Although it is extremely rare for all six beds to be filled at one time, the capacity and capability is there. Pediatric patients as well as adult patients are evaluated, medicated, comforted, and treated.

“One baby actually came to us not breathing,” Majszak said of one infant with pertussis.

“We were able to resuscitate and the child survived. That makes our jobs worthwhile.”

Staffed 24-hours per day, the patient ratio to nurse is 2:1 unless 1:1 is necessary. There are two nurses scheduled on duty for 12-hour shifts each and every day, with a third nurse on stand-by to come in if necessary.

For the often frightened family, the ICCU allows visitors, including the ability for the family member to stay overnight, but restrictions as to how many family members can be with the patient at any given time is enforced. Majszak said that family involvement is important as well as offering comfort to the patient they can provide critical baseline information.

“The reward of this job is knowing a patient has received good care on your shift,” Majszak concluded. “Catching someone before they get too bad, preventing a bad outcome then getting thanked and asked if you’ll come back tomorrow, that’s the best part.”

If you or a family member is in medical distress dial 911 immediately. Emergency crews are equipped to evaluate the situation and to administer life-saving procedures.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital’s Foundation Board and can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com or 264-4029.