Leaving the ICU and going to another area of the hospital

Leaving the ICU is a big step in your loved one’s recovery. It means they are getting better and no longer need the close monitoring and special care provided in the ICU.

Care on a nursing unit is different from the ICU. Some people worry about this change. The thought of having to meet new staff and adjust to a different setting with new routines can be stressful.

The team on the unit realizes this can be an upsetting time. They are used to caring for people who are recovering from critical illness. To help you settle in, they will give you information about the daily routines such as doctors’ rounds, meal times, and visiting.

You will notice a difference between the number of nurses and the amount of equipment on the unit compared to the ICU. In the ICU, there was a lot of equipment around your bedside. On the nursing unit, you usually see much less equipment at the bedside.

In the ICU, nurses were at your bedside continuously monitoring you. On the nursing unit, nurses care for several people at the same time. They are not always at your bedside, but they are always nearby. If you need help or want to speak to your nurse at any time, use your bedside call bell.

As part of the move to the nursing unit, your critical care team gives your new care team a detailed report about your condition and care. We do this to make sure your care continues seamlessly.

We invite you and your family to take time with your new care team to tell them more about yourself and what is important to you.

Here’s what to expect when someone leaves the ICU:

• Moving to a different unit: After leaving the ICU, your loved one will likely move to a regular hospital unit. The care will still be important, but they won’t need as much constant monitoring. Nurses and doctors will still check on them regularly.
• Different care team: While the ICU team focuses on critical care, the new care team will focus on continued recovery. This team will help your loved one with the next steps, such as physical therapy, managing medications, or healing from surgery.
• Feeling different: It’s common for patients to feel tired, weak, or confused after leaving the ICU. Sometimes people have trouble remembering things or feel anxious. This can get better over time, but it’s important to talk to the care team if you have concerns.
• Recovery takes time: Getting out of the ICU is a positive sign, but full recovery may still take time. Some patients need more care or therapy to regain strength or adjust to changes in their health.
• Family involvement: Your role as a family member remains important. Ask questions, stay informed, and support your loved one during this next phase of their recovery.

Leaving the ICU is a hopeful step, but healing continues, and your loved one may still need time, support, and care. See the below resource for more in-depth information about transitioning out of the ICU.

You may have some changes to your body and thinking see “Recovery at Home” to read more about the changes you may experience.