Your Child’s Care Team

During your child’s stay, they will be cared for by a team of health-care professionals who work together to support their health and well-being. Each team member plays a unique and important role, from physicians and nurses to therapists, social workers, and other specialists.

Below, you can learn more about who’s on your child’s care team and how they contribute to their care. 

Health Disciplines

Staff in the following roles are part of the team that support and care for your child: 

Medical Students
  • University graduates attending medical school
  • Participate in your child’s care under the supervision of residents and physicians 
Nurse Practitioners
  • Partner with the medical team
  • Function much like resident doctors and work closely with the attending physicians to plan your child’s care 
Physician
  • Your child’s primary doctor oversees residents, nurse practitioners and medical students
  • Physicians assess your child's health, make diagnoses, and work with the care team to plan and oversee your child's treatment
  • Communicates with patients and their families about treatment plan of care 
Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPN)
  • Work closely with your child providing care and closely monitoring progress
  • Make sure that the needs of your child and family are met
  • Organize and coordinate appointments after discharge
  • Provide education and resources for your child’s diagnosis
  • Provide outpatient support 
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT)
  • Respiratory Therapists (RTs) at Children’s Hospital have expertise in the assessment and management of respiratory (or breathing) problems
  • They use a variety of techniques and equipment to treat children with heart and lung problems
Residents
  • Have graduated medical school and are further training in a specialty
  • Work under the supervision of a physician to develop the best plan of care for your child