Critical Care

Located in the new North Patient Tower, the Intensive Care Unit at Cookeville Regional is a modern, state-of-the-art 30-bed unit equipped with the latest technology.  The collaborative efforts of our physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, laboratory and imaging staff as well as environmental services staff enable us to maintain a high standard of care and service for our critically ill patients.

The new unit has a space design allowing nurses to stay at the patient’s bedside. A mini nurses’ station is located between every two beds with full visibility of the assigned patients. There are computers at each station where nurses have immediate access to lab results, imaging data and drug information through a specialized order-entry and data retrieval program. These computers also offer a clinical results program so physicians have quick access up-to-date patient information while they make rounds in the unit. The unit also benefits from automated dispensing of medications so as to prevent delayed delivery of urgently required drugs.

Each patient's family becomes part of our plan of care. Two overnight Family Rooms, a Family Lounge and seven Family Respite Areas are available so families who need to be near critically ill or injured loved ones have a comfortable and private environment.  Every effort has been made to ensure the comfort of the families during these difficult times.  Large waiting areas with a shared family kitchen area help ease the difficulties experienced in being away from home. 

Two visitors are allowed at one time in a patient's room.  Two other visitors may find alternative seating within the ICU.  Additional visitors may wait in the main ICU Waiting Room.  Visitors requesting that children visit in the ICU must consult with the ICU Nursing Director or Clinical Coordinator before bringing children into the unit.  Visitation is not permitted between the hours 5:30 am to 8:30 am and again from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Fresh flowers are not permitted in ICU patient rooms.

ICU Waiting Room - 931-783-5650

The Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) is a 10-bed unit  for patients recovering from heart, lung and vascular surgeries.  The collaborative efforts of our physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, laboratory and imaging staff as well as environmental services staff enable us to maintain a high standard of care and service for our critically ill patients.

While in the CVICU, our staff encourages the participation of those who are important to the patient during his or her recovery.

Patient Progress 
Our surgeons usually make very early morning rounds, allowing them to start their scheduled surgeries for the day. Thus, they rely on our staff to keep the family members updated on the patient’s condition, progress, and plan of care for the day while in CVICU.

After Heart Surgery 
CVICU is considered the “Recovery Room” immediately after heart surgery. During this time we stabilize and attempt to remove the patient’s breathing tube prior to family visits.

The family members’ first visit may be from 1 to 3 hours after the patient arrives in CVICU. Our staff will keep you updated during this time and we appreciate your patience. Also, the status of other patients in the CVICU may sometimes alter visitation times.

Expect to see several tubes, several bags of fluid hanging on a pole, a bandage wrap around a wrist, and several wires connected to the patient. Also, you can expect to see a fair amount of puffiness and paleness. This is all normal and usually improves within 24 hours.

After Lung Surgery
Patients that have had lung surgery may or may not require a breathing tube while in CVICU. Expect to see drainage tubes, bags of fluid on a pole, and wires connected to the patient.

After Vascular Surgery
(Carotid, Leg Surgery, Aneurysm)
You can expect different things depending on the type of surgery performed. These patients generally require less invasive monitoring equipment. Expect to see small drains, bags of fluid, a bandage wrap around on wrist, and wires connected to the patient.

Patients that have had abdominal surgery (e.g. aneurysm) require somewhat more monitoring equipment, similar to the heart surgery patient.

You can expect to see several bags of fluid hanging on a pole, a bandage wrap around on wrist, and several wires connected to the patient. Also, expect to see a fair amount of puffiness and paleness. This usually improves within 24 hours.

It can be overwhelming the first time you visit. So, please feel free to ask the nurse to explain what you see, the progress of recovery, and the plan of care for the day. The more you know, the less apprehensive the next visit will be for you.

The Mended Hearts Support Group
Some of our volunteers in the CVICU waiting area are members of the Mended Hearts Support Group. While in the hospital you may receive a visit from a member of the Mended Hearts visitation team. Members of the visitation team visit heart patients and family members. Some have had heart surgery and some have had heart attacks or other heart conditions.

The purpose of this group is to give you support and help you to understand that you can live a productive life with heart disease. Our staff greatly appreciates Mended Hearts members. Sometimes it is more meaningful to talk with someone who has experienced a situation similar to your own in order to better understand the fears and thoughts that you may have.

Click here to visit the Mended Hearts website.

Visiting Hours*
8:00 am - 8:20 am
10:30 am - 11:00 am
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
*per nurse discretion
*permission required for visitors under 12 years of age

Families are welcome to stay in the CVICU Waiting Room between visiting hours. 

Fresh flowers are not allowed in patient rooms in the CVICU.

CVICU Waiting Room - 931-783-6305

Staff Specialists
CRMC’s ICU  and CVICU have a clinical coordinator on each shift. These RNs serve as resource for other staff, assisting with tasks from patient admissions to actual procedures. They also work with our physician intensivists to make triage decisions so we ensure appropriate levels of care for our patients. A dedicated critical care nurse educator plans and presents ongoing education needed to keep staff current on new technology and methods of care delivery. 

Staff Teamwork
For both the ICU and the CVICU, it is the collaborative efforts of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, laboratory and imaging staff, and environmental services that enable us to maintain a high standard of care and service for our critically ill patients.