The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

A pediatric intensivist is a pediatrician or anesthesiologist who has further specialized as a pediatric intensivist. As such, the pediatric intensivist has expertise in everything related to treating a patient in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The pediatric intensivist supervises the Intensive Care Unit. 

The physician assistant (PA) in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is an essential member of the medical team. The PA has completed a Master's degree and possesses extensive medical knowledge and skills. The PA is specifically trained to take over tasks and procedures from the pediatric intensivist. In addition, our PAs actively participate in research and play a crucial role in sharing their expertise through education and training, both within our hospital and externally. In this way, they contribute to continuous improvements in the care of our young patients and the education of future healthcare providers.  

Many doctors in training to become pediatricians or anesthesiologists (also known as residents or physician assistants) work at the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital. As part of their training, they complete a several-month internship in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. They are responsible for the daily operations. You will see these doctors at the bedside every day. The physician assistant is supervised by the pediatric intensivist. 

The Intensive Care nurses are specially trained pediatric nurses. They work closely with the patient and are trained in recognizing and monitoring children in critical health. 

They are, as it were, the directors of the patient and his/her care process; they have a coordinating role in collaborations with specialists and paramedical disciplines. In addition to providing highly complex care, the nurse ensures that parents and the family are involved in the care.

The Nurse Practitioner (NS) is a Master's-educated practitioner who is an expert in a specific field. The Nurse Practitioner combines nursing treatments with medical treatments. In addition, they are also involved in research and education. On the Leeuw en Pelikaan wards, the NS, together with the intensivists and resident physicians, are responsible for medical policy, particularly regarding children on chronic ventilation, both inpatient and outpatient.  

The Intensive Care Practitioner works in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit within a specific area of ​​expertise (respiration and ventilation, heart and circulation, kidneys and renal replacement therapy). They can be recognized by their names Ventilation Practitioner (VP), Circulation Practitioner (CP), and Renal Practitioner (RP). Together with the intensivist, the Practitioner determines the treatment plan within their own area of ​​expertise. In addition, they are involved in research and education. An intensive care practitioner combines this role with work as an ICU nurse or nurse practitioner.  

The medical-pedagogical care providers play an essential role in the well-being of patients aged 0 to 18 years. They provide emotional support and appropriate pedagogical interventions to reduce the anxiety and stress of an ICU admission.  

The professionals provide age-appropriate distraction during a medical procedure, intervention, or surgery. They understand that admission to the pediatric ICU can be stressful. Through a creative approach and attention to the individual needs of the child, they also try to offer distraction, allowing a child to briefly escape the medical procedures. Additionally, the medical-pedagogical care providers strive not only to guide the sick child but also to support siblings. Furthermore, the professionals offer not only pedagogical guidance in a medical setting but also support in the event of your child's passing. The professionals are committed to providing emotional support and helping to create cherished memories.