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. There are many people who work as part of your health care team while you are in the hospital. Below we describe some of your team members and their roles. If you are ever unsure of what a team member does, please ask.

As a patient at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, you will benefit from the experience and expertise of a team of health care professionals, working together to coordinate your individualized care.

Your Care Team

Attending doctors manage your entire health care team. Other team members might be:

  • Fellows are doctors who have spent time as residents and are now doing special training in an area of their choice.
  • Residents are doctors who are done with medical school and are in their second or third year of training.
  • Interns are doctors who are done with medical school and are in their first year of training.
  • Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) are registered nurses who have extra school and clinical training in a special area. There are many types of advanced practice nurses such as:
    • Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
    • Nurse Practitioners (NP)
  • Physician Assistants (PA) have a bachelor or master’s degree and advanced training. They are licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a doctor. They also take patient histories and perform exams.
  • Consult doctors have special training in an area of medicine. Your team may ask a consult doctor for his/her advice for certain problems.
  • Primary nurses (Relationship Based Nurses) provide your direct care. Primary Nurses are registered nurses (RN) who coordinate all aspects of your nursing care. The nurse is the person who you and your family will have the most contact with each day. The nurse’s goal is to share your needs and plan of care with your other health care team members.
  • Care coordinators are registered nurses that follow the plan of care for you and all patients on the floor. They are able to teach you and your family and help plan for your safe discharge. They may call you at home a few days after you leave to make sure your discharge plan is working.
  • Patient Care Assistants/Clinical Technical Assistants help with your care, under the direction of your nurse.
  • Social workers can help counsel and provide support for you and your family. They can also help with finance and transportation issues, resources and discharge needs.
  • Case managers are registered nurses who can also help with discharge needs.
  • Registered Dietitians are able to make sure that your nutrition needs are met. They can provide teaching and answer your nutrition questions.

You may also receive care from: Medical Students, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists and other health profession students.

Complementary Therapy Services

We can provide you with information about Complementary Therapy services such as Acupuncture, Art Therapy, Journal Writing, Massage Therapy, Meditation, Relaxation and Guided Imagery, Music Therapy, Pet Therapy and Reiki.

UH Seidman Cancer Center Office of Patient and Public Education, dial 45432 or 800-641-2422

Environmental services (Housekeeping)

Our team strives to keep your room clean. Please call if you have a housekeeping need. We aim to be environmentally friendly by using sustainable products, conserving resources and reducing waste, noise and odors.

Environmental Services, dial 43071 or 216-844-3071 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Chaplain (Pastoral Care)

Chaplains provide spiritual support for patients and families. They also visit patients upon request. Clergy from any religious organization are welcome to visit with a patient’s consent. A nondenominational chapel is on the first floor of Lakeside Hospital.

Pastoral care, dial 41668 or 216-844-1668