Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

What is PIC?

A pediatric intermediate care unit (PIC) provides a higher level of monitoring and care than a general pediatrics unit but is less intensive than the PICU. It’s designed for kids who need more specialized treatments or additional support after surgery, illness or an injury.

PICU vs NICU

A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides care for newborn babies who need more intensive medical care. It’s like the PICU in the level of intensive care that is provided, but the NICU is dedicated to premature or newborn babies, so the unit a child goes to depends on their age.

Understanding Your Child’s Care Team

We take a team-based approach to caring for every aspect of your child’s well-being, making sure that all specialists collaborate for the best possible outcome in their care. Your PICU team may consist of:

• Intensivists
• Fellows
• Residents
• Advanced practice nurses
• Nurses
• Respiratory therapists
• Physical therapists
• Speech therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Child life specialists
• Critical care dietitians
• Supportive care counselors
• Pastoral care
• Case managers
• Patient care techs
• Patient care liaisons
• Monitor techs

Learn More About the Team

Accessing the Unit

 If your child is transferred to the hospital, whether directly from a provider’s office, by ambulance, by OSF LifeFlight or by the OSF Children's Hospital Critical Care Transport Team, they will be taken directly to the unit. When you arrive, you can stop at the welcome desk on the first floor to receive a badge that will allow you to access the unit, as well as a packet with helpful information.

If your child is transferred from within the hospital, typically from the emergency department or surgery, you can remain with them. However, you’ll need to stop at the welcome desk on the first floor to receive a badge the first time you leave the unit.

For your child’s safety, the unit is always locked, but your badge will allow you to come and go.

Collaboration with Other Specialties

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular surgery
• Child psychology
• Ear, nose and throat
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Hematology
• Home ventilation
• Infectious disease
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Palliative care
• Pediatric general surgery and trauma
• Pulmonology
• Urology and nephrology

Pediatric Ground Transport

The pediatric critical care transport team provides 24/7 specialized care for children during transport, keeping them safe and reducing complications. They are trained in pediatric critical care and remain in constant contact with board-certified intensivists to guide their care during transport.

Learn About Our Emergency Transport Services