University of Virginia Health System

Critical Care Nursing

UVa Critical Care units serve patients experiencing acute and chronic illnesses from MI to trauma to organ transplantation. Nurses are involved in bedside nursing research and provide the highest quality patient care and support for families. Bedside practice is based on nursing ideas, expertise, research and policies, with nurses working collaboratively with physicians, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists and social workers to ensure positive patient outcomes.

Critical Care Nursing at UVa has earned acclaim by the American Association of Critical -- Care Nurses (AACN). In fact, three of our critical care units-the Medical Intensive Care Unit, the Surgical Trauma Burn Intensive Care Unit and the Thoracic Cardiovascular Post-Operative Unit -- received Beacon Awards for excellence in intensive care environments, evidence-based processes and outcomes, support of healthy work environments and meeting the AACN mission, vision and values. 

Critical Care nurses are encouraged to build their careers through education, presentation, publication and membership in professional organizations, including the Monticello Chapter of AACN.

Our Critical Care units include:

• Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
• Surgical Trauma Burn Intensive Care Unit (STBICU)
• Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
• Thoracic-Cardiovascular Postoperative Unit (TCVPO)
• Nerancy Neuro Intensive Unit (NNICU)

Although each unit differs in patient population, they have a common nursing goal: to provide knowledge-based, comprehensive care that supports Health System's values of Respect, Integrity, Stewardship and Excellence.