Staff Definitions

Meet Our Team

Physicians

Primary Care Physician

The physician who cares for you on a regular basis or the physician who has been assigned if your physician is not on our hospital staff.

Attending Physician (Hospitalist)

The physician who is in charge of your care in the hospital. The attending physician works with other physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, as well as with your primary care physician to help organize and deliver excellent care.

Consultants

Other specialists who have been asked to help in caring for you.

Interns

Physicians who are in their first postgraduate year after medical school. They report to a resident and your attending physician.

Residents

Physicians who are in the second or third postgraduate year. They report to your attending physician.

Fellows

Physicians who have completed their residency and who are now in specialty training.

Teaching Attending and Firm Director

A physician who teaches residents and interns and shares the responsibility of care with the nurse manager.

Advanced Practice Providers

Physician Assistant (PA)

A medical professional who works as part of a team. A PA is a graduate of an accredited PA educational program, and is nationally certified and state licensed to practice medicine as part of a health care team.

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables them to diagnose and treat illnesses as part of a health care team.

Nursing Staff

Your care team includes a nurse manager (NM), a professional nurse (RN), a patient care associate (PCA), a nursing assistant (NA) and a unit receptionist (UR). Each of them is educated, credentialed and qualified to provide your care.

Nurse Manager (NM)

Your NM is the charge nurse on the unit. He or she acts as a clinical resource to staff to coordinate daily patient care and nursing practice on assigned units.

Professional Registered Nurse (RN)

Your nurse is responsible for your overall care and directs the other members of the team in providing that care. Among other activities, he or she will make patient care assessments, confer with your physicians, administer IVs and medications, and teach you about your treatments, your plan of care and your progress.

Patient Care Associate (PCA)

Your PCA is responsible for a variety of skilled, technical activities. Under the supervision of the RN, the PCA might be assigned to draw your blood, assist you with bathing, walking or feeding, or do your electrocardiogram (EKG).

Nursing Assistant (NA)

Your NA is responsible for a number of services, including support and comfort measures that will help you get better in a clean and safe environment. He or she may prepare you for your meals, assist you to the bathroom, make your bed, clean your room or transport you to other departments for tests or procedures.

Unit Receptionist (UR)

Your UR is responsible for coordinating the flow of information between your team members. He or she facilitates activities such as scheduling your tests, contacting your physicians for the nurse or handling telephones and paperwork.

Dietitians

A registered dietitian will review your medical record and work with your health care team to develop a nutrition care plan for you. Registered dietitians are also available to educate you about any diets you may need to follow after you are discharged.

Physical and Occupational Therapists

If you need physical or occupational therapy, an orthopedist or rehabilitation specialist will evaluate your needs and recommend a plan of care. Therapists may visit your room, or you may be transported to the Physical Therapy Department. You’ll do simple exercises designed to maintain strength and coordination while you are hospitalized, or to start the process of physical rehabilitation.

Radiology Technologists

These staff members are New York State-licensed individuals who may come to your bedside to perform portable X-ray examinations. If radiographs are requested, you may be transported to the hospital’s Radiology Department for specialized radiographic studies.

Social Workers

Social workers provide discharge placements, counseling, referrals to community resources and information on financial assistance. Social workers are assigned to patients as needed.

Case Managers

Case managers review medical records, communicate with insurers and arrange for home care services after discharge. Case managers are assigned to all inpatient units.

Pharmacists

While you are in the hospital, all of your medications are dispensed by our hospital pharmacists. They can answer any questions you have regarding your medications.

Chaplain

The hospital chaplain and a group of volunteer ministers are available to all patients and their families. Please contact your nurse to request these services. The Meditation Room is located on the main floor of Katz.

Volunteers

Volunteers give thousands of hours each year to our hospital to enhance the care of our patients and their families. They provide support throughout the hospital, including delivering mail and flowers, operating the gift shop and escorting patients.