Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
At the Mercy Children's Hospital PICU, we encourage you to be involved in your child’s care plan. Your child’s fear and stress may increase due to the unfamiliar surroundings and situation. We suggest that one parent (or a designated adult) be available either on campus or by telephone. If you have other children, you may need to make other arrangements for their care.
Meals
Adults staying with patients under age 13 may order one complimentary tray per meal from room service. Additional trays for other family members may also be ordered but must be paid for when they are delivered. There are vending machines on the unit floor, located near the chapel. The cafeteria is located on the ground floor of hospital. Please ask a member of the nursing staff if you have any questions.
Visiting Hours
Please call the PICU for the specific visiting hours of this floor. There are certain times when visitors may be restricted due to certain activities as instructed by nursing staff. To protect your child and others, all visitors are required to wash their hands prior to visiting patients in the PICU.
Sleeping Arrangements
If possible, we will provide sleeping arrangements for the parent/adult that is staying on campus such as a sleep chair or recliner within the waiting room, or an empty bed (if one is available) on the Pediatric Unit. Or you may contact the Hospitality House at 417-820-2102 or the Ronald McDonald House at 417-875-3500.
A van provides transportation to and from medical facilities. We understand the parents need a break now and then. If your child is sleeping or is content, and you wish to leave the campus for a short period of time, please let your nurse know.
Missed School
It’s the parent’s responsibility to contact the school concerning "make-up work." If your child is out of school 10 days or more, he or she may be eligible for homebound assistance. Please ask a Child Life Specialist for information.
The PICU nursing station telephone number is 417-820-2907.
