Your Team
You are a member of the health care team
It takes all of us to make sure that your stay is as safe and comfortable as possible, but your health care team is not complete without YOU. While your doctors and nurses are the experts in health care, you are the expert of YOU. It is important that you partner with your health care team by asking questions, sharing information about your health, telling your health care team what is important to you, and participating in conversations and decisions about your care.
Primary support person
On admission, you will be asked who you would like to be your Primary Support Person(s). Your primary support person(s) is the person that you select to:
- be present during conversations with your health care team about your care and condition
- be the spokesperson who shares information with other family and friends with your approval
- stay with you overnight and during tests, procedures, and emergency situations, providing space allows and your safety can be maintained
If for some reason you are not able to communicate, the contact person named on admission or in your Advance Directive will serve as your primary support person.
Doctors
Attending Physicians (MD/DO) are the doctors who supervise your treatment and coordinate your care.
Hospitalists (MD/DO) are the doctors who specialize in inpatient hospital care and coordinate your care with other specialty doctors when needed.
Beaumont is a teaching hospital; we teach medical, nursing, and other health care students. You may also meet the following doctors who are continuing their training:
- Fellow (MD/DO) is a doctor who has graduated from medical school, finished their residency, and is completing further training beyond their residency to specialize in a specific type of medicine
- Resident (MD/DO) is a physician-in-training who has graduated from medical school, completed an internship and is obtaining additional training in a specific area of medicine
- Intern (MD/DO) is a physician-in-training who has recently graduated from medical school and is in their first year of supervised on-the-job training
Advanced practice providers
Nurse Practitioners (NP), Physician Assistants (PA), Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) are licensed professionals with advanced training who work with your doctor to provide your daily care. These individuals do not replace your doctor, but they help your doctor to make sure you get the care that you need while in the hospital.
Nurses
Nurses provide hands-on care, give medications, coordinate communication among care team members, talk with you about your fears and concerns, and provide education on how to manage your care at home. Your nurse is your key point-person during your hospital stay. Nursing students, under the supervision of nurses, may also care for you.
There are several levels of nurses who are part of your care team:
- Registered Nurses (RN) are educated and licensed by the state to provide nursing care
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) are professionals who provide basic care under the direction of an RN
- Nurse Aids/Techs are unlicensed staff who assist RNs with patient care
Additionally, nurse managers, supervisors, and/or charge nurses are on staff to make sure that your care runs smoothly.
Allied Health Professionals
Allied Health Professionals are part of a broad range of health professions who are not doctors or nurses, yet work as a team member providing treatments, therapies, and education to help you improve your health.
- Care Coordinators (RNs or MSWs) work with you and the rest of the care team to create a discharge plan and coordinate equipment needs and treatments for your care after you leave the hospital
- Certified Lactation Consultants are registered nurses specially trained to help breastfeeding mothers. They are available to answer questions and assist with feeding your baby while you are in the hospital.
- Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional care to patients and families of all religious traditions and personal faith while dealing with a stressful situation
- Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are professionals trained to help children cope with the stress, anxiety, and fear experienced during a hospital stay. They help children cope through play, support, and education.
- Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) are professionals responsible for preparing and delivering medications as directed by Clinical Pharmacists
- Clinical Pharmacists (RPh or PharmD) are professionals with advanced education in medication use and may work directly with patients
- Occupational Therapists (OT) treat patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities
- Physical Therapists (PT) provide therapy to patients to regain range of motion and control physical pain
- Registered Dietitians (RD) assess patients’ health needs and develop meal plans and counseling for healthy eating habits
- Respiratory Therapists (RT) perform tests and consult with care providers to develop treatment options
- Social Workers (MSW or LMSW) are professionals who identify resources and provide counseling to help you cope with issues related to illness
- Speech-Language Therapists (SLP) diagnose and treat speech, language, social, cognitive, and swallowing disorders
Support Services Staff
The people who clean your room, deliver your food, transport you around the hospital, and deliver supplies are also important members of your care team. These staff members work to make your stay as safe and comfortable as possible. Your nurse is your link to these services and will contact them for you as needed.