Experience and Expertise from a Team of Health Care Professionals
Our goal is to develop trusting and personal relationships with patients and families right from the start. A nurse will conduct a personal orientation with the patient when he or she is admitted. The individual’s nurse will continue to meet with him or her and his or her family members each day during the hospital stay.
When it is time to leave, patients are guided through the discharge process and again any concerns will be addressed. We also follow up with individuals by phone once they leave the hospital. These discussions are our chance to listen and answer any remaining questions.
As a patient at University Hospitals, you will benefit from the experience and expertise of a team of healthcare professionals, working together to coordinate your individualized care.
Physicians
Attending physician: A member of University Hospitals’ medical staff with ultimate responsibility for your care during your stay. Usually, the physician who admitted you to the hospital.
Consulting physician: A physician or specialist called upon by the attending physician to assist in your diagnosis and/or treatment.
Nurses
At University Hospitals, nurses are our frontline and the backbone of our staff. They constantly monitor the status of our patients and assure their well-being. Your nursing team may include:
Nurse manager: A highly experienced registered nurse who is the supervisor of a hospital unit or patient floor.
RN care coordinator: The personal advocate for you and your family who coordinates care, communication and discharge planning.
Registered nurse (RN): RNs are responsible for your care at all times. The RN assists physicians during treatments, administers medications, helps coordinate the efforts of the healthcare team, advocates for and educates patients and families.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN): LPNs assist patients and families in a variety of ways as part of the nursing team, under the direction of RNs.
Nursing assistant: Assistants provide valuable additional support, including assistance with bathing, feeding and toileting. They often are the “first responder&” if you use your call light or phone the nursing station on your unit.
Other Care Providers
Occupational therapist: These healthcare professionals help patients learn to accomplish activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and cooking.
Physical therapist: Physical therapists help patients build their strength, improve function and move independently.
Speech therapist: Speech therapists help patients regain the ability to speak clearly and communicate effectively.
Respiratory therapist: These therapists help patients manage and/or overcome moderate to severe breathing problems to regain independence and enhance quality of life.
Care coordinator/case manager: Care coordinators and case managers work with your entire healthcare team to develop your plan for care after you leave the hospital: helping families adjust to illness, arranging needed services at home (including companionship), arranging transfer for rehabilitation, accessing useful community resources, and providing support (depending on your individual needs).
Environmental Services (Housekeeping)
We recognize that the cleanliness of your room and of the entire hospital is essential to the highest quality care. Our housekeeping teams are dedicated to keeping your room clean and sanitary and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please let us know if you are in need of housekeeping services
Spiritual Support
Your minister, priest or rabbi is welcome to visit you in the hospital. Spiritual books, including Bibles, are available upon request. Non-denominational chapels are located at some UH medical centers.
If you would like a chaplain to visit, please ask your nurse. A listing of area churches and religious establishments that may be contacted for you is also available.