Sepsis in the elderly occurs frequently and carries a high rate of mortality. In consideration of the increasing number of elderly patients being cared for in critical care units, the critical care nurse must have a thorough understanding of the unique aspects of this patient population. Nurses must be prepared to deliver expert nursing care that is knowledge-based and incorporates current research findings. Unit protocols that encompass the preventive measures needed by these special patients will assist in reducing the incidence of sepsis. When sepsis occurs, careful trending of data will signal the need for timely and precise interventions that may result in a good outcome for the elderly patient with sepsis.