Because you know your child best, we encourage you to participate as much as possible. You can help our staff by sharing information, and always feel free to ask questions. Physicians usually make rounds early in the morning, which is a good time to ask questions. Your child will be cared for by a team of pediatric health care professionals, including the following:

Attending Physicians
Each child has an attending physician who is a board certified pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. Please be aware that your child’s attending physician may change during his or her hospitalization.

Bereavement Coordinator
A bereavement coordinator provides bereavement support and palliative care services to Hopkins Children’s families facing life-threatening illnesses and end-of-life concerns, and collaborate with community resources to support families. Dial 410-614-4750.

Chaplains
Chaplains are available for pastoral care and spiritual support. Please dial 410-955-5842; after 5 p.m. and on weekends, dial 410-955-6070 and ask the operator to page the chaplain on-call.

Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists help children adjust to being hospitalized; provide therapeutic play to promote development, reduce stress and prepare children for medical procedures; and provide opportunities for children to play, celebrate holidays and keep up with schoolwork. Please dial 410-955-6276.

Clinical Customer Service Representatives and Coordinators (CCSRs and CCSCs)

CCSCs welcome and orient families to the unit, create and maintain a positive patient stay, and are points of contact for patient and family concerns. They round daily with patients and families to make sure the unit is meeting their needs.

Dieticians
Dieticians work closely with doctors and nurses to ensure that patients receive proper nutrition during their stay. They can also help accommodate patients’ special needs, as well as kosher and vegetarian meals.

Fellows
Fellows have completed their residency in pediatrics and are taking additional training to become pediatric specialists.

Medical Students
Medical students are studying to be physicians and are a part of the medical team. They are closely supervised by residents and attending physicians and may participate in your child's care.

Nurse Managers
Nurse managers are responsible for operations and administrative functions on the unit to assure quality care for all patients.

Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who work closely with your child’s health care team.

Nursing Students
Clinical nursing students, under close supervision by a clinical instructor or nurse on the unit, may interact with or care for your child.

Nurses
Registered pediatric nurses are prepared to give your child specialized physical and emotional care, and also help the family meet their needs.

Occupational, Physical, Respiratory and Speech Therapists
These therapists provide specialized care as needed.

Pharmacists
Pharmacists provide the medicine that your child receives in the hospital.

Physician Assistants
Physician assistants help coordinate your child’s care along with the team.

Residents
Residents, or physicians in training after medical school, are also responsible for all aspects of your child’s care while in the hospital. First-year residents do most of the day-to-day work and are supervised by the attending physician and senior residents.

Social Workers
Social workers will help you with special problems related to your child’s illness or physical handicaps; they can help locate community resources, such as special education, counseling, home health and financial guidance. Dial 410-955-6518.

Others You May Meet

• If, at any point, we are not meeting your expectations, please bring these concerns to the attention of your care team or a manager. If your concerns remain unresolved, please contact the patient relations  for further assistance at (5-CARE) from your bedside phone. They can help facilitate a formal review and follow-up to your concerns. Information shared with Patient Relations is reported to all executive levels of the hospital.
• Protective Services Officers are uniformed security officers who are here to provide a safe environment for patients, families and visitors. For questions about safety or parking, dial 410-955-5333.
• Volunteers assist the staff in meeting the needs of patients and families.