CardioThoracic Intensive Care
Harrisburg Campus
This 16-bed unit includes 8 Fast Track recovery bays for post-anesthesia open heart patients. Complex patients include Code STEMI, CRRT, and cardiac assist devices such as Tandem hearts, Impella device, and ventricular assist devices.
Med/Surg Intensive Care
Harrisburg Campus
This 22-bed unit receives patients requiring complex, multi-system treatment including advanced ventilatory modes, CRRT, and hemodynamic and intracranial pressure monitoring. The MSICU charge nurse staffs the Rapid Response Team and Code Blue Team.
Progressive Care/Toxicology
Harrisburg Campus
This 32-bed unit admits patients with complex, multi-system problems. Advanced
treatments and procedures including mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, and inotropic drug support are provided. In addition, as the nation’s only inpatient Toxicology unit, patients admitted for drug overdoses or
poisonings are also managed on this unit.
Intensive Care Unit
Community Campus
This 12-bed unit specializes in the care of critically ill adults. Complicated surgical cases comprise the most frequent surgical diagnosis in this area.
Required Experience for all Critical Care Units: Registered Nurse (BSN) with ICU experience or Graduate Nurse with completion of PinnacleHealth’s Critical Care Course
Critical Care Orientation
All nurses working in the Critical Care areas must first complete an approved critical care course. Experienced Critical Care nurses take a placement exam. Orientation is then based on individual nurse needs. Inexperienced nurses attend the Critical Care Course based on AACN’s Essentials in Critical Care Orientation. The Critical Care Course is designed to provide graduate nurses with a comprehensive, structured orientation to the critical care environment. The six month program supports the graduate nurse’s transition into the registered nurse role by developing:
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Advanced Physical Assessment Skills.
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Critical Thinking
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Organizational Skills
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Communication Skills
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Knowledge of Pathophysiology
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Clinical Skills
In addition, professional development workshops are offered during the first year to
promote individual growth. Staff Development Instructors personally follow each nurse’s progress and provide ongoing support