New to the ICU? Start here.
The ICU is one of the most complex clinical environments in healthcare. If you're a therapy practitioner stepping in for the first time — or returning after a break — this page walks you through the foundations in the order that makes the most sense.
Work through these in sequence. Each one builds on the last.
Step 1 — Understand why you're there
Before anything else, know the evidence behind your role. The ICU can feel like a place where therapy doesn't belong. It does.
Step 2 — Learn the environment
The ICU has its own language. Before you can treat, you need to be able to read a monitor, understand what's hanging on the IV pole, and know what's attached to your patient.
Vitals →
Lab values →
Lines, leads, and drains →
Medications →
Mechanical ventilation →
Step 3 — Know who you can treat
Not every patient is ready for therapy, and not every moment is the right moment. These pages help you make safe, evidence-based decisions about participation.
Criteria to participate →
Considerations and contraindications →
Step 4 — Prepare for your session
Chart review and communication with nursing are the difference between a session that goes smoothly and one that doesn't.
Chart review →
What to ask the nurse →
Setting up for mobility →
Step 5 — Treat with intention
Now you're ready to walk in.
Evaluation and treatment →
Sample goals →
OT treatment ideas →
When you're ready to go deeper
Once you have the basics, explore the Neuro ICU section for condition-specific guidance, or the Standardized Measures section for assessment tools you can use at the bedside.
Neuro ICU →
Standardized measures →