Your Child's Health Care Team

Doctors and nurses play an obvious role on your child's health care team, but in addition, your team may include social workers, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, dietitians and others. Each member of the team plays a unique role in your child's recovery and is knowledgeable about your child's particular health situation. Chaplains and volunteers round out your child's health care team and are available to provide support and assist in any way they can.

The following types of staff work together to give your child the needed care:

• Your child's attending physician is responsible for all decisions that affect their care. This doctor may or may not be the same person as your child's primary care physician (PCP) or family doctor. Upon admission, your child will receive a notice that lists the name of their attending physician (except in Behavioral Health). Sometimes it is necessary for your child's attending physician to call upon a specialist to assist in treatment.
  
  
• Golisano Children's Hospital is a teaching hospital, therefore, your child may receive some care from residents who are receiving additional training. These doctors, along with nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants coordinate your child's daily care and ensure the attending physician’s orders are carried out.
  
  
• The nurse manager directs the nursing care on your child's unit and is available to address any nursing concerns.
  
  
• Nurse leaders direct your child's day-to-day nursing care. They can also answer questions about care.
  
  
• Nursing care coordinators work with the entire health team to provide quality care and teaching.
  
  
• Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide 24-hour nursing care.
  
  
• Patient care technicians (PCTs) help nursing staff with tasks like drawing blood, taking vital signs, transferring patients to and from bed, and bathing.
  
  
• Pharmacists provide expertise on the medications your child may take and, as part of the health care team, they are available for medication consultation.
  
  
• The unit secretary greets patients when they arrive on the unit. They provide the unit’s clerical needs and are a general resource for patients and families. If the unit secretary is unable to answer your question, he or she will direct you to the person who will be able to help you.
  
  
• Social workers assist with family and social issues and help in discharge planning. They are able to provide options when alternate living options or a transfer to another health care facility are needed.
  
  
• The community health nurse coordinates any home health care needs.
  
  
• The food & nutrition staff, including registered dietitians, help with planning special meals as requested by your child's doctor.
  
  
• At the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong, Child Life and Teen Life Specialists help children, teens and families cope with their health care experience by providing therapeutic play, education and emotional support. These specialists have advanced education in child development.