Stable but critical are not mutually exclusive. Stable means his vitals have reached a controlled state. He is most likely receiving blood. His surgery was probably very complex. He needs the care of an ICU unit not the med surg ward
....” He needs the care of an ICU unit not the med surg ward”....
Well perhaps he’s still near the OR in case further work needs to be done....not all hospitals are designed the same way.
The vital role is he is very likely where he needs to be given the condition he’s in and what the Dr.s have determined necessary.