Who keeps coming into my room?
We know how hard it can be to learn all of the new people that are a part of your medical team. We’ve put together a friendly guide that will help you learn about each role.
As a parent, you are an important part of the team that will take care of your baby. Depending on your baby’s needs and the staff at your hospital, many of the following people may be part of your health care team.
Providers
Attending Physician
A doctor who has completed medical school and further training in residency and fellowship. The attending physician directs and supervises the medical care of your baby.
Fellow
A doctor who has completed medical school, a pediatric residency and is now receiving additional specialty training (for example in caring for children with cancer or kidney issues)
Resident
A doctor who has completed medical school and is now receiving special pediatric training.
Medical Student
A college graduate who is receiving training to become a doctor.
Physician Assistant
A person who is trained to assist the physician in coordinating and providing your child’s medical care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Practice Nurse APN)
A nurse who has completed an advanced degree program and specialty training. The nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist may provide daily physical examination, education and coordinate the medical and nursing care of your baby.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A person who is trained to care for babies during illness and to assist them in regaining and maintaining health. Nurses provide daily nursing care and health education to babies and their families in the hospital.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A person who assists the registered nurse in caring for your baby. Certified nursing assistants may help with checking your baby’s temperature and blood pressure. They may also help with bathing, linen changes and gathering supplies like diapers.
Palliative Care Team
The palliative care team includes doctors, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other professionals who work with the health care team to ease symptoms and provide support for babies with serious illness and their families.
Helpers
Child Life Specialist
A person who has special training in child development and how they react to illness and being in the hospital. A child life specialist helps babies to cope with treatment. They are also a wonderful support for siblings and other important children in your life.
Social Worker
A person who is trained to help you cope with your baby’s illness and hospitalization through counseling, support groups, financial assistance, and resource referral.
Dietitian
A person who is trained to evaluate your baby’s nutritional needs and weight. The dietitian also helps to provide teaching and support about eating and drinking when your baby goes home.
Pharmacist
A person who is trained to prepare the medicines and nutritional support that your baby will need. The pharmacist may also explain how medicines are to be given.
Volunteer
An unpaid person who is trained to help with non-medical activities.
Therapists
Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist
A person who works with your baby to help them learn or maintain developmentally appropriate activities.
Speech Therapist
A person that helps with your baby’s feeding safety and speech development.
Respiratory Therapist (RT)
A person who is trained to treat babies with breathing issues on the floor and the intensive care unit. They help assess changes in breathing and may give breathing treatments and manage breathing machines if needed to help your baby. They also provide education to families.
