The Critical Care Team

CASE MANAGEMENT

As a team member, the Case Manager provides support to you and your loved one.  The Case Manager assists with communication with insurance companies and helps ensure continuity of care, education and planning for movement to the next level of care.

HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN

The hospital chaplain is available to provide pastoral care to you and your loved one.  The chaplain is available around the clock.  Please contact the nurse if you would like to speak with the chaplain.  He/She will be happy to contact the chaplain.  The hospital chaplain can be reached at 523-3142.  There is also a hospital chapel.  Please ask for directions/location.

NURSES (RN, LPN)

The critical care nurse has been specially trained to care for patients that are criticially ill.  They provide ongoing assessments and treatments which your loved one requires.  There is a nurse caring for your loved one 24 hours a day.  Feel free to ask any question you may have while you are visiting.  If the nurse is with another patient, please ask another staff member and they will assist you.

PHARMACIST (RPh)

Pharmacists are professionals who work with the doctor and nurses to ensure that your loved one gets the full benefits of available medications.  In addition to preparing medications using the latest technology, they monitor the therapy for effectivenes and ways to avoid side effects, allergies, and possible interactions with drugs, food, or lab tests.

PHYSICAL and OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

The physical therapist/occupational therapist may evaluate components of movement, muscle strength and tone.  These individuals work to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

PHYSICIANS

There are frequently many physicians/specialists involved.  While in Critical Care, patient care may be directed by the Intensivist, a doctor who specializes in critical care medicine.  An Intensivist led multidisciplinary team coordinates the plan of care.  Multidisciplinary rounds (physicians, nurses, respiratory, case management, dietary and specialists) are made daily on all patients in the Critical Care Unit.  Feel free to request to speak with them.

Talking to the physican

Physicians usually make rounds early in the morning and early evening.  If you wish to speak to them, please let the nurse know and he/she will try to coordinate a time for you to meet.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN (RD)

The dietitian may be involved in the care of your loved one.  Her/His nutritional needs are evaluated and reassessed as needed while in the hospital to promote the nutritional health.

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST (RRT)

The RRT is concerned with helping your loved one breathe adequately as a means of preventing further complications and/or infections.  If your loved one is on a ventilator, the therapist is responsible for managing and maintaining the equipment.

SPEECH THERAPIST

The speech therapist assists patients in their recovery of all aspects of communication skills and swallowing ability.