Program Manager is responsible for the unit. This is the person you should go to if you are concerned about any aspect of the nursing care your child is receiving Unit clerks are responsible for the clerical work of the unit. They work at the Nursing Station and can take messages for the medical team that is working with your child.
Attending physician is a specialist in child health (pediatrician) who takes overall charge of your child’s health care plan. The attending physician may also have a more specific specialization such as cardiology (hearts) or oncology (cancer). Consulting doctors are doctors who have specialized training for one specific body system. They give expert advice to the team. Residents and fellows are fully qualified doctors who are now training as specialists. They provide most of the day-to-day medical care. They work under the guidance of specialists. Staff nurses (RNs) are directly responsible for the nursing care of your child. They want to get to know your child as a person. Please share with them your understanding and appreciation of your child’s needs. Clinical Nurse Coordinators (CNCs) are responsible for the day-to-day running of the unit. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) has specialized knowledge in a certain area and often treats children who have complex illnesses Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) is responsible for providing education and teaching to the nurses.Child life specialists provide play programs for children. This can be done in playrooms or at the bedside. They can help your child overcome some of their fears of the hospital through play or distraction.
Dietitians can help you understand and plan a special diet or feeding needs, if these are needed for your child. Occupational therapists plan activities to assist children to meet the learning challenges of normal growth and development. They help children who have difficulties with the activities of their daily lives. Physiotherapists plan programs to help children whose disease affects their muscles, bones or joints. They help the child regain as much strength and normal movement as possible. Pharmacists help to plan and manage your child’s medications. Psychologists are available to help you and your child cope with, understand, and manage the emotions and behaviours that can come with a serious illness. They can also teach strategies for controlling pain, stress and anxiety. Social workers can assist parents and families with the social or emotional impact of an illness. They can also help to identify community resources that can help when you return home. Speech pathologists and audiologists are available if your child’s illness has affected their ability to hear. Laboratory technicians are the people who draw blood for tests. This happens frequently, since these tests provide important information for treatment decisions. Porter aides transport children around the hospital.
Teachers in School Services provide ongoing educational support to school-aged children and youth (kindergarten to grade 12) while they or their siblings are staying in the hospital.
The chaplains offer spiritual care for women, families and childrenThe child life specialist prepares children, youth and families for life-altering events and upcoming procedures.
Volunteers are active in many places in the hospital, including the play programs, the Family Resource Library, and the wards. Other professionals such as x-ray technologists and respiratory therapists are called upon if their expertise will contribute to your child’s treatment.Updated on: February 7, 2011