Your Child’s Care Team

Doctors and advanced practice providers

Anesthesiologists. These specialists provide medication so children are asleep and/or pain-free during operations or other procedures.

Advanced practice providers (APPs). Advanced practice providers have received specialized education, training and certification to provide medical care. APPs include advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants (PAs). These clinical providers work alongside doctors to diagnose conditions, provide care and implement treatment plans.

Critical care doctors. Critical care doctors, also called intensivists, direct our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). They are highly trained in the care of critically ill and injured children and practice exclusively at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Critical care doctors work closely with the rest of your child’s care team.

Inpatient doctors. Our inpatient doctors are board-certified pediatricians who specialize in the care of hospitalized children. They provide 24-hour, on-site personalized care and serve as the leader of your child’s health care team. They may also supervise and mentor the following doctors in training who may be a part of your child’s care:

• Residents: Licensed physicians receiving specialty training
• Interns: Residents in their first year of specialty training
• Medical students: Those who come to Mary Bridge Children’s to learn about pediatrics and may be observers on your child’s health care team

Outpatient doctors. Mary Bridge Children’s outpatient doctors specialize in a wide range of pediatric care, from oncology to neurology to orthopedics and more. Our outpatient doctors practice in a number of clinic locations across the region, providing comprehensive care options close to home. They work with your child’s regular pediatrician, and with you, to create the most effective care plan for an ongoing illness or condition.

Surgeons. Surgeons help diagnose problems and provide treatment through performing an operation or other procedure. Surgeons often specialize in a specific area, such as orthopedics (bones and joints); ear, nose and throat care; or cardiac care (heart and blood vessels), among other areas.

Nurses, technicians and coordinators

Registered nurses (RNs). Registered nurses provide direct patient care, such as dressing wounds and monitoring vital signs. They also provide patient and family education, among many other tasks. If your child is at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, the RN is your child’s direct care team leader and coordinates your child’s care.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs). These nurses are responsible for delivering direct nursing care, administering medications and treatments, and performing data collection.

Patient care technicians/certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Patient care technicians and CNAs help support your child’s care when they are in the hospital. They provide basic physical care under the supervision of the RN.

Student nurses. Students come to Mary Bridge Children’s to learn about pediatrics. They are under the direct supervision of the RN and their clinical instructor as they care for your child.

IV therapists. An IV therapist is a pediatric nurse who is an expert in starting intravenous lines and taking blood samples.

Health unit coordinators. Health unit coordinators manage telephone, intercom and computer tasks. They assist with hospital admissions and are available to help you find your way around while you are here at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

Therapists, allied professionals and volunteers

Chaplains. Through spiritual care, all patients and families can meet with a nondenominational hospital chaplain for counseling and support. Your own clergy member is also welcome to visit at any time.

Child life specialists. Child life specialists help minimize stress and anxiety for children receiving medical care. They help children prepare for procedures or surgeries through medical play; provide developmentally appropriate education; and collaborate with the health care team to support families’ needs. Child life specialists work with children staying in the hospital as well as those receiving outpatient specialty care.

Occupational therapists. Occupational therapists help children improve their fine motor skills and coordination, sensory processing and ability to perform self-care tasks, such as eating or dressing. They work with children in the hospital and on an outpatient basis.

Physical therapists. Physical therapists use play and exercise to help children improve their mobility, strength, coordination, balance and range of motion.

Registered dietitians. A registered dietitian (RD) assesses your child’s specific nutritional needs and works closely with you and the medical team to ensure that your child’s nutritional goals for growth and healing are being met.

Respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists have special training in the care of children with cardiopulmonary (heart/lung) complications. They perform therapeutic patient care procedures in our hospital, including ventilator care and airway care. They also administer breathing medications and measure oxygen levels.

Speech-language pathologists. Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, help children who have problems with swallowing, feeding and communication. Speech therapists evaluate a child’s ability to understand what they hear, as well as their ability to express themselves, concentrate, remember and problem solve.

Social workers. Social workers help patients and families cope with sudden or long-term illness, trauma and hospitalization. They serve as advocates, supporting families and contributing to a child’s care plan. Social workers also provide counseling, continuing support, and referral to community agencies for basic needs such as food, shelter or transportation. If your child is in the hospital, social workers are available seven days a week and may be accessed upon request by the patient, family or medical team.

Volunteers. Volunteers assist with play activities while children are hospitalized. They bring toys and games to children and hold and rock babies and toddlers when caregivers need to take a break or cannot be at the bedside. To request a volunteer, ask your child’s nurse for the next available volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, apply online or call 253-403-1005.