INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: What Should You Expect? (Doctor Vlog)

Ever wondered what happens to patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)? What should you expect to see if you visit someone? What will you see on your first day as a medical student or resident?
This video shows you want to expect so that you won't be as nervous or shocked when you arrive. The ICU can be a difficult place to visit, because it often means someone you care about is quite sick. Just know that there are so many people who are happy to answer questions and try to make the experience better for you.
**THESE ARE STOCK PHOTOS FOUND ONLINE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, NOT REAL PATIENTS!!
Some things you may see:
- Endotracheal Tube
- Nasogastric Tube
- Intravenous Lines
- Central Lines
- Urinary Catheters
- Dialysis
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE
COMMENT below with any questions or comments - I'll be making a Q&A video with your questions about the ICU in a few weeks!
~ Siobhan (Violin MD) ~
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[@shelbygates2958]

This is becoming one of my favorite channels. Im always looking forward to another video! I love learning about all things medical and getting a glimpse into a real doctors life is honestly so fascinating!

[@ViolinMD]

Thank you Shelby!!

[@katie4335]

You are a genius, how many consults do you have a day

[@sophiaterry5962]

Yeeyeyey Eyeyeyeeyeye Eheye 🏡📮💳📮💳🏩🏡📮🏡📮🏡🏩🏡📮🏡🏡🏩🏡🏩🏡🏡

[@sophiaterry5962]

@Violeyeyye Eyeyyeye Eyeeye

[@dannyball2503]

I’m with you ! She really does a great job. It’s a very welcoming channel with great content for learning about medical stuff.

[@OhNourr]

I remember when i was only 14 when my nan passed away in the ICU. Everyone had left for the night except my mum who had come home to pick my sisters and i up. After she had passed one of the nurses came up and gave us all a hug and thanked us for coming back. It was a perfect gesture that made a pretty awful night a little less bad.

[@ViolinMD]

aw sorry to hear about your nan Kaylie - thank you for sharing

[@emilyrobinson6091]

You could seriously be a teacher, honestly the way you describe things is so educational, your so enthusiastic and inspiring. Your definitely one of the greats in the world. Xx

[@ViolinMD]

Thank you Emily - i take that has a huge complement! A lot of medicine is teaching and communicating!!

[@katie4335]

You are so sweet and smart and I just wanted to let you know that I love you and the channel. What made you want to post it on KZbin? Do patients have to come to the ICU after a siezure in the hospital

[@Spongebob51398]

This gives me a total new perspective about being in an environment like this. Thank you for explaining everything the way people can understand

[@brittneylovell154]

As an ICU nurse, I love this video! You broke down the things that can be most frightening to family and friends, which is awesome. Love your channel!

[@ViolinMD]

Thanks Brittney - so glad you agree with the things I highlighted!

[@katie4335]

Brittney Lovell what is the worst situation have you had to face

[@TheMedStudentStruggle]

I always enjoy your content! Also really like that you show the NG tubes, lines, equipment, what the floor looks like. It’s a great added touch 👍

[@ViolinMD]

Thanks Raymond!!

[@saradriggers8173]

I’m funny 😆 for you

[@sailboatrn7372]

As a retired RN of 23 years, I love to watch your channel! You are one doc I would have been proud and grateful to have worked with!! (and I worked in an 800 bed facility near Washington, D.C. and yes, it was a teaching hospital!)

[@astridhoumand3637]

I am VERY afraid og hospitals but you made me a little bit more comfortable, so thank you alot;)

[@mayabewsher6987]

I remember when I was in hospital, as a patient, and one of the ladies on my ward became unwell and was rushed to the ICU. She had had a bad reaction to a medication and starting convulsing. I wrote her a card and delivered it to the ICU door. Seeing the ICU for the first time was very surprising. Everything was micro-managed perfectly, but you could see the severity of some of the patients' conditions. It's amazing how hard the staff work.

[@ThatMedic]

Great message at the end there! ICU is an amazing place

[@sarahdeeb4852]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. My youngest daughter was in the NICU for 7 weeks. She came home with a tracheostomy, ventilator, oxygen, mini button and pump for her food. It was all a lot to get used to without any medical background. I'm happy to say she's turning 4 tomorrow and we've kicked the ventilator and O2 to the curb 🙌

[@courtney6387]

What was the craziest/scariest thing you’ve seen in the ICU

[@eliasdavidreyes8611]

Was so scared my first time in ICU as a PT, but there I met the most grateful patients, I recibe some gifts for the first time in mi career, and there I decide to go in to medicine, and here I am, third year med student!!

[@ViolinMD]

Wow what a lovely story!! Thank you so much for sharing - so glad to hear you are doing what you love ❤️

[@janecampbell4662]

Wow your hospital is beautiful! I remember the first few times I was in ICU I cried allll over the people working on me and they really took it like champs. Being look at as a person by the nurses and doctors even when I didn’t really feel like it at the time was so so helpful to me.

[@Babybluu]

I want to be a nurse because i Iooked after my elderly dad for 19 years. I used to do his insulin for him. I used to change his dialysis bags. I was the one to drain them and all. I took care of him all till the day he died. And since then want to work with medicine.

[@ViolinMD]

Hi Leslie - thank you so much for sharing. That sounds like an incredibly difficult thing for you to have to take on... i'm sure your dad really appreciated everything you did for him!

[@tiffanylianna6027]

You’re so humble. Love your channel.

[@khuddle731]

My dad has spent a lot of time in ICU (over 3 months combined so far) since he fell and suffered a head injury. Your advice to loved ones is so spot on. I’m so glad to know that the medical profession has such a caring and compassionate doctor in its ranks. You seem like you will be a great advocate for patients and families. Thanks for all you do!!!

[@5585Angel]

I'm not a doctor but I love watching your channel I feel like I'm learning so much, plus it makes visiting less daunting tbh

[@wayneallen9387]

Thank you Doctor. I spent a week in the ICU in June 2017 following heart surgery. The ICU staff members were great.

[@karenknaus221]

I appreciate how caring and kind you are!! You are great DR! Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work!

[@findingthesimilarity]

Thank you for sharing this. My mom received a single lung transplant in October and has been in the icu for 45 days now. I think it’s an overwhelming place for caregivers and this is a wonderful video! Thank you for sharing!

[@khalip.5398]

I wish you were my doctor! I trust you more then the doctors I have in my small town! Keep up the good work ❤🇨🇦

[@katiebanks50]

If possible could you do a vlog about what a day not on call is like :-)

[@ViolinMD]

Hahah yeah sure I can do that! It’s true I often do vlog on call haha

[@martinj4757]

Great video, I can confirm that visiting someone in the ICU is a truly daunting experience for a non-medical student. Hopefully I won't have to go back there anytime soon😥.

[@ViolinMD]

Agreed Martin - sorry to hear you were visiting someone there

[@carolineweiser4225]

I really like seeing all these videos. It means more (and makes more sense) than just reading about it if I have questions. So glad you made this channel, Siobhan!

[@norcaldavid.]

I really do thank ppl like u helping others I pray everyday for y’all thank you so much and wish other patients luck

[@floramae6791]

I was terrified when my papa went into the ICU but I was greeted by literally the sweetest people I have ever meet and definitely set an example in me. I cried after I saw him because he had never been there before and one of the nurses actually took me out of the room and explained to me everything that he had and what it did for him and let me see her taking out his NF and i will agree nurses are great!

[@jonathanwong235]

I love this channel! Thank you so much for opening my eyes about the ICU!

[@fmani5207]

I stumbled upon this channel recently, and after watching a marathon of videos, this has become my favourite channel, and restored my faith in the inspiring, educational, and motivating medium youtube can be. First off, thank you so much for making these videos, getting a true insight about a profession is always appreciated by anyone interested in the field and those currently in it. Working in allied health care as well, getting your perspective is really refreshing and educational. Your positive and uplifting nature I'm sure is complimented by many here, but it is definitely what makes you stand out and motivates us all to pursue our careers and days in the same light. Thank you also for teaching something new in each vlog, as it also makes us look up the topic further after and become more informed. Keep up the great work!

[@sabrinamolinar5799]

I wish I had seen this a year ago! My Grandma was in the ICU for septicemia shortly a couple months before she eventually passed. I was SO scared. I am typically really unflappable and a sturdy type of personality, but waiting for someone to take my Grandpa and I back to see her was terrifying. If I would've seen this, I'd probably be less freaked out.

[@serhat462]

Love your channel, you just inspierd me to start med school! LOVE FROM SWEDEN❤️❤️

[@carlyyoung3481]

I love listening to you. You're a great Dr. We that work in the hospital sometimes forget to explain things we're use too.

[@ForeverDaisy05]

You are so kind. The love you have for what you do is so real and genuine. I'm hoping to apply to PA school in the next year, and the insight you give is so much fun and interesting! Thank you☺️

[@paulaalberto9994]

Hi Doctor!! I remember reading my medical reco when I was in and out of icu for 2 different hospitals. This all make sense now, I had multiple strokes but luckily I survived without any deformity (Thanks God). Maybe because I was 25. It was 2 years ago but I still have tons of Doctors that taking care of me. That’s why I feel like you are BEST in what you do! We thank you so much Doctor for sharing this to all of us!❤️❤️❤️

[@maddiemartinez2118]

I never thought I’d be a dr but seeing your do it really inspires me!!!

[@robertpayne6772]

I just subscribed to your channel, great work here. My daughter is an RN in Florida, her first year and your channel reminded me to thank her for being great! Thank you for doing what you are doing in the greatest profession in the world!

[@djlawlz4041]

I love how not only is this informative but you made it easier to understand and you were kind about it! ❤️

[@BreatheEasyRRT]

Absolutely loved this video! Sometimes families don't know what to expect especially in such a stressful situation, so it is great you took time to explain some of these things :).

[@chelseamurphy9171]

This is extraordinary. I've been watching your Vlogs, and oh wow are they busy. Thanks for contributing to society like this, saving lives. You're awesome ❤️

[@mallorycopman792]

Hey! Thanks to the shoutout to Respiratory Therapy! Love you channel

[@evacraik1332]

This is a great video! My beloved grandpa was intubated in the ICU a few years ago and when I went to see him I was so shocked and unprepared. It would have really helped to have seen your video then as I was disturbed and now I just worry that he could tell. I really appreciate your educational content and videos like these on what to expect in these scenarios are really helpful for family members!

[@creatively41lb]

Thanks for the mention of dietitians! We get forgotten so often.

[@ViolinMD]

Such an important role!! we definitely don't forget you in our ICU team :)

[@olivia-zzushi]

“Don’t let tubes sticking out of their neck freak you out!” Oh yah I can totally do that. Price of cake right😅😳

[@smithsmith5290]

Awesome vlog Siobhan! It's so cool getting to know about your personal take on the various duties and challenges of your residency. Your ability to maintain a constant smile and uplifting personality within a demanding and oftentimes heartbreaking profession, is a testament to your inner strength :)

[@giovannisantillanbsnrnccrn8130]

You are such a natural at communicating. You carry such a wonderful demeanor that I love when a resident possesses. Please try to hold on to that for the rest of your practice. I know we all get burned out, it happens to nurses too. I sometimes have to tell myself that although I’ve seen a certain condition or procedure a thousand times, the family hasn’t. Sometimes we get so caught up with all the charting, red tape, legalities, and technicalities imposed upon as healthcare providers, that we forget. New nurses and new doctors make me hopeful!

[@manuelrodriguez749]

I look forward to your video every Saturday!!! :)

[@angelalaird5958]

ICU survivor here. Many admissions since birth. Great video

[@greglawn89]

I like watching your information on what the ICU about!

[@martaindriksone6323]

After seeing your videos,I really want to be a doctor...love you,thank you for that 💕

[@parkjiwon1166]

Honestly, you are so inspirational! I'm looking forward to your next vlog!!

[@jackji2325]

You are so happy, smiling, etc

[@jillianmyerly1818]

Hi Siobhan! It's been a couple years since you made this video, and I rewatched it a couple times over the past few weeks, because I am an OT student starting a rotation in the neurosurgical ICU. This video was super helpful in mentally preparing for what I might see.

[@madelynkunkle3924]

I was in the ICU for a week after brain surgery. I was so thankful for the nurses and the medical team that kept a constant eye on me to make sure I was doing okay :) I'm glad to say that surgery went well and I am fully recovered. This video would have been helpful for my family who came to see me. Thank you so much for making this :)

[@MegaSilentWhispers]

This hit so close to home. I recently had my grandmother in the ICU last year for nearly 2 weeks with all the tubes and was on a catheter for the duration. She's doing ok thankgod. The ICU made my stomach twist uncomfortably. Hospitals make me physically and mentally ill. One would think I'd be not so uncomfortable having an anesthesiologist as an uncle would ease me in. Nah. I'll be far away from hospitals for a long time thank you! But thank you for alleviating my fears Siobhan with a serene smile.

[@Megan11..]

As a sophomore nursing student, this entire channel is actually super helpful in getting me ready to be in a hospital setting next semester. I know medical practice and nursing practice are different thought processes and different skills but this whole channel makes me feel so at ease and explaining what really goes on in a hospital and I just love it so much. Thank you Siobhan for all these videos!!

[@user-ss6gt5ue4z]

Yesssss plz keep doing this kind of educational videos ..especially for us who are non native English speakers ... thanks alot Dr

[@RomeoJuliet4never]

I really love your ICU videos. Please continue to make more.

[@megmeg2122]

love this channel, I watch your videos everyday! so educational and fun! keep doing what you’re doing

[@markc.9147]

Love your vlogs. I get excited to see new ones. Keep up the great job.

[@mariannegermain5634]

You are such an amazing doctor/youtuber! Thanks for making these incredible videos and explaining things so everyone can understand the technical terms. You look so sweet and your patients are really lucky to have you :) I love your on call vlogs!

[@elizabethquinn578]

I absolutely love your channel! I am a respiratory therapist and I work in the ICU all the time!

[@ViolinMD]

Hi Elizabeth - I can't tell you how much I appreciate the work RTs do!! seriously... i have such a sense of relief when we can collaborate from vent settings to help with difficult airways!

[@doctorpriv_6278]

This is so awesome. I love your channel! As a first year med student, it’s hard to find residents in Canada to look up to. Thanks so much for sharing all of this :)

[@HazzerJazzer1]

My main question about the ICU is who is in charge and what is the staffing structure, who does what. Its so interesting.

[@hatty7090]

Chevon, thank you so very much for sharing your journey. I came across your channel a little while ago and have been watching your older videos in between new ones coming out. Your videos have ramped up my passion to study medicine once my children are a little older so much that I think about it everyday.

[@MsStina84]

It's actually spelled Siobhán, I know irish isn't easy.

[@paolasolorio2361]

I’m going to school for Vet Tech, and some how these videos are soooo interesting. You are so calm and genuine. Love it 💙💙💙💙💙

[@xXmialeeXx]

You are amazing. I’m really afraid of hospitals and they give me so much anxiety. But because of your videos it’s getting so much better and I’m actually kinda fascinated by all the behind the scenes stuff

[@daniellejack4109]

Hi! It's been so great to find your channel, since I am also in the Ontario medical system. I am actually in the Physician Assistant program at the University of Toronto & had also applied to McMaster's program too. My first day in ICU was in KW with 2 McMaster residents on morning rounds! I 100% felt that same awkwardness you described - I didn't know if I should be asking/telling the patient I was going to listen to his chest...or if I should even be talking at all! He was sedated & when I asked if he could hear/understand me, they said they didnt know! I was very frightened lol. But I ended up really enjoying the team-based rounds. Love your content!

[@Zzzz123410]

I just stumbled upon your videos in my recommended and I'm honestly so inspired by you. I'm currently a music performance major in college and I've been considering also going into premed. Seeing someone that plays an instrument like me go into and be so successful and happy in something as intensive as medicine really pushes forward. Please keep making great content. I hope I can be like you one day! :)

[@fromedtomed-medschoolinaus7102]

Thanks for that Siobahn! For me, when I saw my mum in the ICU, it was upsetting as there are just so many tubes around the person they seem so small and helpless by comparison. It's a difficult place to be in definitely! Hopefully when it comes time for my intensive care rotations it'll be a lot more familiar!

[@ViolinMD]

Thank you for sharing - sorry to hear about your mum, that must have been incredibly difficult to see her that way!

[@capturedbyken2936]

and Hats Off to ALL of you who are pursuing this as a career. You all are real life heroes and I can't thank you all enough for everything you do

[@marcelinoa.megantara8757]

I want to listen to your memorable experiences in ICU story.. in longer duration.. ❤️

[@suzannepye4437]

I so enjoy your channel and am always excited when a new video is added!! I hope you are having a great 2018 so far!

[@spudislandmomma]

I think Isolation would be a great topic as it can be intimidating to gown up.

[@ViolinMD]

oooooh thanks Ashely - I didn't even think of that, but you are so right!

[@sweetthing213]

@@ViolinMD Hi, I have been in the ICU as a patient many times when I was younger. About 3 years ago I had to go see my boyfriend/fiancé in the ICU. I was really scared because that was really my first time being in the ICU but not as a patient. Thank you for your very informative message. It helped me a lot. I love watching your videos.

[@marianneblack2688]

It’s amazing watching your channel grow so quickly!! Super proud of you!!

[@ViolinMD]

Thanks Marianne! I'm also amazed and so grateful!!

[@saradriggers8173]

Yeah good thing for you ,,

[@kirshens]

Great advice. I was recently in the icu and while I was up and kicking, many neighbors in icu were not.

[@mayraibarra6363]

I love you and your videos so much! 💛 So inspiring!

[@ImTrash4707]

you literally have the personality of my teacher, nice but serious

[@roshinairlie]

I wish I saw this a month or two ago before visiting my aunt in the ICU. I love your videos Siobhan! They’re so interesting 😍😍

[@user-ri9zq9rn9k]

Wow that's great!❤❤

[@martinamiao4144]

I love your channel, you're such an inspiration for me, and also this videos are really helpful.

[@ikha7186]

Loved the message at the end. You are great

[@JBFanBand]

I have stayed over 70 days in ICUs last year and they really are the most caring nurses. I was often the youngest and most conscious patient in the ICU so I became great friends with a lot of the nurses and respiratory therapists! ❤

[@kainkim7380]

I’m 13 and I really want to be a lawyer but watching these videos make me want to do what you do

[@ViolinMD]

aw thank you Kain - there are so many amazing careers!!

[@dianaradevski6729]

Your channel is so amazing and educational. Love seeing the life of a doctor in real life and not just TV 😂😂

[@funnelbuns44]

I just subscribe to your channel because I find the medical field fascinating. I like to hear new things or read about new medicines or medical technology. I've been ICU Twice in my life for open heart surgery to repair a valve when was 10 and had it replaced with a mechanical valve when I was 40. I don't remember a lot but I remember some and all the nurses &doctors took great care of me.

[@ViolinMD]

Hi Lisa - it sounds like you have been through a lot! thank you for sharing!

[@wdeemarwdeemar8739]

Having been in health care for over 20 years and counting and having worked in ICU as an RN for just over three years you are going to be a great doctor. Trust me, I work with just shy of 900 of them. Most are ass hats and I bust their balls every chance I get... the benefits of management. Once in a while some will make me know that our patients are going to have great outcomes. Keep it up!

[@ceeq3997]

Fantastic video!!

[@belenaguilar1348]

Hey girl! Just want to say that you are an amazing person. Love your personality and positivity. Keep up the good work! If I lived in Canada, I would choose you as my doctor

[@Rozaza09]

I reallly enjoy watching ur videos 😍😍 i'm a med student and u inspire me to work hard ,, thank you sooo much ❤❤❤

[@camilaazul]

Great message! 👏

[@ItsMe-ox8lm]

Being an intensive care physician is my dream! This year I am preparing myself for residency! Wish me luck!

[@Bookworm5589]

My dad was in ICU after he had heart surgery and the nurses in there are amazing and the doctors were also amazing. It's scary but if it's a family member or friend visit because my dad remembered me going in to see him and I know he really appreciated it when he woke up and seen a familiar face.

[@bana6957]

I just discovered your channel today!!! I love it!!!!

[@HooliganBMars]

wow I remember subbing at 10k, now at 53k its amazing watching ur channel grow

[@andreajlmoore]

Sure wish I had watched a video like this before my first encounter with the ICU....although nothing could have prepared me to see my own child in there, it would have at least given me some initial “heads-up”....great video, thanks!

[@ohlinaa]

Hi Siobhan! I love your videos and I am so excited you made this one in particular :) I am a dietetic intern and I am currently one month into my ICU rotations...can definitely 100% relate with how you felt the 1st time in the ICU. Very intimidating and overwhelming. Now that I have been there for a month I am getting into the swing of things, building rapport with the medical team and it is so exciting to see what each discipline brings to patient care. I hope that more and more people begin to see what a vital role dietitians play in critical care! Thanks for your insight, you rock! Xoxo Lina

[@ViolinMD]

Hi Lena - thank you so much for your message! we have such fantastic dietitian on our team... i can tell you we value you guys so much!

[@makaylacollins1874]

Love this video!!!

[@kateeemclaughlin]

I know I’m late to the party but my dad was in the ICU last year with literally everything you described. He was in a coma for a week and we were there everyday for 12 hours for rounds with the doctors, tests, and to talk to him. It’s a very scary experience but it is helpful to talk to them and be with them in their time of need. He pulled through and is still here and I feel like being there to talk to him and hold his hand helped all of us.❤️

[@lentheschutten7949]

I will get admitted here after my surgery it's Nice to see these videos.

[@katjawe9742]

Your awesome!! Great Video:)

[@Audreylw]

Really enjoy watching you DITL vlogs. Or even the informative vlogs like this one. 😊

[@ViolinMD]

Thanks Andrey!