General Terminology: Different Units of the Hospital

Intensive Care Unit

specialized units for critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and advanced medical care.

Medical ICU (MICU)

For patients with severe medical conditions (respiratory failure, sepsis, multi-organ dysfunction).

Surgical ICU (SICU)

For post-operative patients who require close monitoring and specialized care after major surgeries.

Cardiac ICU (CICU)

For patients with cardiac conditions (heart attacks, severe arrhythmias) needing intensive cardiac monitoring.

Pediatric ICU (PICU)

For critically ill children.

Neonatal ICU (NICU)

For premature or critically ill newborns

Step-Down Unit

For patients who no longer require intensive care but still need closer monitoring than what is provided on a general medical floor.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

For patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery.

Medical-Surgical Unit (Med-Surg)

Most common inpatient unit, where patients recovering from various medical and surgical conditions receive care.

Telemetry Unit

For patients requiring continuous cardiac monitoring (ECGs).

Observation Unit

For patients who need to be monitored for a short period to determine if they require admission or can be discharged.

Rehabilitation Unit

Focuses on patients needing therapy and rehabilitation after major surgeries, strokes, or injuries (Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy)

Psychiatric Unit

For patients experiencing acute mental health crises.