Members of a highly skilled team consisting of physicians, nurses and other
health care professionals will care for your loved one.
Physicians
In addition to attending physicians, there may be other physicians who take
care of your family member as consultants. These are physicians who are specifically
requested to see the patient to give opinions and provide treatments.
Internists - a physician specializing in nonsurgical diseases.
Cardiologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the heart.
Nephrologist - a physician specializing in kidney diseases.
Pulmonologist - a physician specializing in diseases of the lungs.
Neurologist - A physician specializing in neurological diseases (i.e. brain
and spinal cord).
Surgeon - A physician who conducts surgery.
ICU staff
Registered nurse - The registered nurse has advanced education in the care of
critically ill patients. The primary nursing approach promotes continuity and
coordination of care by paying attention not only to the physical needs of the
patients, but also to the psychological, emotional and spiritual needs that
often accompany a serious illness or prolonged hospitalization.
Health unit coordinator - The health unit coordinator answers phones, transcribes
physician orders and assists in receptionist duties.
Nursing assistant - The nursing assistant assists with patient's personal cares
under the direction of the RN.
Housekeeping - The housekeeping staff keeps the environment clean.
Specialties
Respiratory therapist - The respiratory therapists work closely with the physician
and nurses to provide airway management, deliver oxygen, assist in managing
ventilators and administer breathing medication.
Pharmacists - The pharmacists work closely with the physician and nurses to
assure safe and correct medication administration and monitoring for the desired
response. They are available to assist with medication information and teaching.
Social worker - The social workers are available to assist patients and families
with financial concerns, discharge plans, home health needs, nursing home arrangement,
and transportation needs. They are also available to assist with organizing
family conferences.
Dietician - The dietician is available to assist patients in meeting their dietary
requirements.
Chaplain - The hospital chaplain provides an interfaith ministry, nurturing
patient/family values and beliefs, and encouraging a more holistic approach
to health care. Your physician, nurse or social worker can make a referral.
Rehabilitation service - As your family member's condition improves, the physician
may order physical and occupational therapy.
Physical therapists - address mobility needs.
Occupational therapists - assist with activities of daily living training.
Speech language pathologists - assess and treat swallowing and communication
issues.
Interpreter - A free service, available upon request.
Patient representative - Questions, concerns or complaints about care or related
issues should be discussed with your family member's physician, nurse or the
patient representative. The patient representative is there to help answer questions
before they turn into problems.
ICU rounds
The critical care team does patient rounds daily. Patient goals and plan of
care are discussed. Families are encouraged to give any input to the nurse.
Print
Send to a Friend
ICU staff
