n our state-of-the-art Cardiac ICU, our team of pediatric heart specialists is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of our most vulnerable patients.
We designed our 26 bed Cardiac ICU around a dual philosophy: a high-tech environment with a family-friendly feel. We believe that both of these aspects of our Cardiac ICU are vital to our patients’ well-being and long-term health.
The CICU staff includes an integrated cardiac team with all sub-specialists readily available and accessible. The unit-based staff includes a dedicated pharmacist, respiratory therapist, social worker, nurses, as well as physicians from the divisions of anesthesiology, critical care medicine, cardiology and cardiac surgery. Children’s CICU is home to an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) center of excellence for ECMO services in children. The CICU also has VAD (Ventricular Assist Device) and heart transplant programs.
All nursing practice is based on the legal scope of practice, national and specialty nursing standards, Children’s National Policies and Procedures, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Professional Model of Care requires registered professional nurses to be responsible and accountable for their own practice. Children’s National supports the development of RN relationships within the community; specifically those relationships associated with the health and well being of the community at large.
Children’s National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., was established in 1870 to help every child grow up stronger. Today, it is the No. 5 children’s hospital in the nation. It is ranked No. 1 for newborn care for the sixth straight year and ranked in all specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. Children’s National is transforming pediatric medicine for all children. The Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus opened in 2021, a first-of-its-kind pediatric hub dedicated to developing new and better ways to care for kids. Children’s National has been designated three times in a row as a Magnet® hospital, demonstrating the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty care locations in the D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia. Children’s National is home to the Children’s National Research Institute and Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. It is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. As a non-profit, Children's National relies on generous donors to help ensure that every child receives the care they need.
