Who's Who in the Hospital

During an inpatient stay at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, you and your child are likely to see many health care providers. It isn’t always easy to know who is who. If you're not sure with whom you’re speaking, or what their job is, please be sure to ask.

When your child is admitted to the hospital, he or she is said to be on a “service.” This simply means that your child is under the care of a specific type of doctor, such as a pediatrician, a surgical doctor, or a subspecialist. Sometimes additional doctors may be called in to provide advice about a medical problem. These are called consultants.

The physicians make “rounds” on each patient every day. Rounds consist of discussions about your child’s health status. Rounds may take place at the bedside or outside your child’s room. You may have the chance to ask questions during rounds.

Other health care providers your child may see:

• Attending physician – the doctor who is in charge of your child’s care, and who has completed medical school and all of the required training       
• Resident physician – a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is training in a specialty, such as pediatrics or surgery
• Fellow – a doctor who has graduated from medical school, completed residency training in pediatrics or another field, and is now training in a subspecialty, such as orthopedics or gastroenterology
• Medical student – a student of medicine who is not yet a doctor
• Physician assistant (PA) – a professional who has completed a specialized program after college and works under the supervision of a trained doctor
• Nurse practitioner – a nurse who has a master’s degree in nursing as well as additional training, and who works in conjunction with doctors
• Registered nurse – RNs are nursing school graduates who provide much of the day-to-day patient care in a hospital

Specialists who may work with your child:

• Child Life specialist – a person whose goal is to reduce the stress of a hospital visit, whether by helping kids relax during blood draws, cope with missing home, and dealing emotionally with a diagnosis
• Chaplain – someone who can offer spiritual care and support to families
• Psychiatrists and psychologists – people who can help your child deal with feelings of anger, fear, sadness, or anxiousness
• Nutritionist (or dietitian) – a specialist who offers dietary guidance for patients based on their medical condition and needs
• Physical therapist – uses exercises, stretches, and other techniques to improve mobility, decrease pain, and reduce any disability related to illness or injury
• Speech therapist—works with kids to help them improve speech after an accident or medical issue that affects speech
• Occupational therapist – works with kids to improve coordination, fine motor skills, and the ability to perform routine activities at home, school, and play
• Respiratory therapist – provides breathing treatments and does assessments on your child’s breathing status
• Social worker – someone who can help you and your family deal with your child’s illness and its effect on your lives. They can also arrange for equipment at home, offer assistance with financial issues, help deal with health insurance, and offer emotional support
• Clinical liaison – a person who acts as a “messenger” between you and your health care team, particularly when your child is in surgery and you’re waiting for an update.