Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
The Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) at Children’s of Alabama is a specialized inpatient facility dedicated to the management of pediatric patients with complex cardiac conditions, both congenital and acquired. This 16-bed unit is equipped with private rooms, each providing continuous monitoring, including telemetry for heart rhythm surveillance and pulse oximetry for oxygenation status.
Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified Pediatric Cardiologists, Pediatric Cardiac Intensivists, advanced practice providers, registered nurses, and respiratory therapists, all possessing advanced competencies in pediatric cardiac critical care. The CCU operates on a 24/7 basis, ensuring round-the-clock availability of subspecialty consultative services, as needed, for comprehensive, evidence-based care. Our unit prioritizes family involvement in all major decisions through family-centered rounds, which provide daily opportunities for open communication with the entire care team.
In addition to expert medical management, the CCU offers a comprehensive array of support services designed to address the unique needs of pediatric cardiac patients. Procedural support teams skilled in venipuncture and imaging work to minimize procedural discomfort. Feeding specialists collaborate with neonates and infants to ensure optimal nutritional support for growth and recovery. Physical and occupational therapists provide age-appropriate rehabilitation interventions to facilitate developmental milestones and functional recovery. Play therapy and therapeutic recreation programs are also integrated into care, promoting psychological well-being through distraction and engagement.
Designed with family-centered care in mind, the CCU provides patient rooms that accommodate the needs of caregivers, including a designated sleep area, private bathroom, and in-room media access. A spacious family waiting area includes kitchen and laundry facilities to enhance comfort and convenience for families. Additionally, our cardiac social workers, pastoral care team, and counselors are available to offer psychosocial support and resources, assisting families with both emotional and financial challenges during hospitalization. A dedicated family lounge with panoramic views of Red Mountain provides a quiet, restorative space for family members to relax and connect.
CV Nursing Leadership 
Laura Needham, MSHA, BSN, RN, CENP
Division Director, Inpatient Nursing Services
Courtney Lawless, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing, CVICU
Jermaine Dunn, MSHQS, BSN, RN
Assistant Director of Nursing, CVICU
Heather Williams, BSN, RN, CNML
Director of Nursing, CCU
