Abstract Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) has become a real phenomenon and can be problematic for the patient and the staff who care for them. Delirium occurs when a patient is placed in an unfamiliar environment and must endure the stress of not only hospitalization but also environmental stimuli, which can cause disturbances in consciousness. Patients may become confused, anxious and agitated; making it difficult for staff to properly diagnose and treat them. Sleep deprivation and environmental factors as well as neurotransmitters are strongly linked to the occurrence of delirium in intensive care. Intensive care staff need to be better informed about the prevention, detection and appropriate treatment of the patient suffering from this disease. The assessment and management of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been difficult for bedside nurses since its recognition by the medical field (Lemiengre, et al., 2006). For this writing unit, the CardioVascular Recovery Unit (CVRU), a significant number of patients suffer from this disease. The majority of nurses at this particular CVRU are not informed about delirium in intensive care. When a patient begins to "act out" with confusion, agitation, and/or anxiety, a certain degree of stereotyping is perceived by both nurses and physicians. It is assumed that the patient's condition is due to drug or alcohol abuse. Few believe that it is the environment and/or medical staff that may contribute to the patient's mental deterioration. Therefore, the patient is then labeled, medicated for sedation, and possibly restrained. Delirium is defined by the acute onset of disturbances of consciousness in which cognition or perception is impaired. This may vary throughout the day...... middle of document......, doctors and family members about the importance of preventing, detecting and treating delirium in intensive care. If successful, ICU staff can promote a healthy environment to support physical and physiological well-being. ReferencesFigueroa-Ramos, M., Arroyo-Novoa, CM, Lee, KA, Padilla, G. and Puntillo, KA (2009). Sleep and delirium in intensive care patients: a review of mechanisms and manifestations. Critical Care Med, 781-795.Fontana, C.J. (2010). Sleep deprivation in intensive care patients. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 75-81. Lemiengre, J., Nelis, T., Joosten, E., Braes, T., Foreman, M., Gastmans, C., et al. (2006). Detection of delirium by bedside nurses using the confusion assessment method. American Geriatric Society, 685-689. Polderman, K. H. (2007). Delirium screening methods: make no mistake! Intensive care , 3-5.