For Patients and Families

Some members of your child's health care team:

• An attending physician is a senior medical doctor who directs the patient's care.
• A fellow is a medical doctor in training who specializes in one area (for example, someone who is studying to be a cardiologist, a heart doctor).
• A resident is a medical doctor who is training in pediatrics.
• A nurse practitioner is a nurse with special training in diagnosing, treating and caring for patients.
• A staff nurse is the nurse who takes care of your child throughout the day and night. There is always a staff nurse responsible for your child's nursing care.
• A clinical assistant is a person trained to assist the staff nurse with patient care.
• A chaplain can bring spiritual companionship at a difficult time. He or she is a good listener who can help support you.
• A social worker is a health care professional who meets with families to help them better cope with illness and hospitalization.
• A child life specialist can enhance a child's emotional, social and cognitive growth during a hospital stay by using developmental interventions and play.
• A resource specialist helps families find resources in the hospital and the community, such as short-term housing and transportation to the hospital.
• A patient care coordinator (PCC) is a nurse who follows your children's care from before the admission to after discharge. This nurse will keep your insurance company informed of your child's progress during hospitalization. In addition, he or she helps to arrange for any home care services your child may need.
• A psychiatrist or psychologist is a doctor who works with parents and children to help them learn ways to manage and cope with feelings about being in the hospital.