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Your care team at Boston Children’s Hospital has many different members working on shifts around the clock. This guide will help you understand the roles of the different clinicians who may work with you and your child.

Doctors

  • Attending physicians, also known as intensivists, are board-certified in pediatrics and/or anesthesiology. Trained and certified specifically in critical care, they work closely with other experts to provide critically ill children with ongoing and consistent care.
  • Fellows, pediatricians in the final stages of their training, specialize in the care of critically ill infants and children.
  • Consulting physicians from other specialized services, such as neurology, cardiology and ophthalmology, may be involved in providing care for your child.

Surgeons

  • Attending surgeons are trained and experienced in pediatric surgery.
  • Surgical fellows are in the final stages of training in surgery.

Nursing

Your child’s Primary Nursing Team will coordinate the care, teaching, planning and identification of resources needed to help you and your child. Team members include:

  • Nurse Practitioners have advanced, graduate education and experience in primary care pediatrics, pediatric intensive care and certification to practice in an expanded role.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists are Masters-prepared Registered Nurses (RNs) who provide consultation, education, research and leadership in the care of critically ill children.
  • Medical/Surgical Critical Care Nurses are RNs specializing in the care of critically ill children.
  • Clinical Assistants provide day to day care to children under the supervision of a nurse.
  • Patient Care Coordinators are RNs with extensive knowledge of health care resources in the community. They can assist you and the medical staff in your child's discharge plan.

Other team members

  • Respiratory therapists consult with the primary team on issues involving airway and breathing.
  • A psychologist is available to meet with patients and their families regarding new diagnoses, crisis intervention, sibling support and psychological adjustment to illness and surgeries. He or she can help identify community mental health resources and provide referrals.
  • A social worker is also available to discuss new diagnoses, the crisis of hospitalization and family adjustment to hospitalization. Social workers also help support your child throughout the hospitalization.
  • Child life specialists are trained to work with children in medical settings, using play and developmental interventions to help children and families adjust to and understand their experience in the hospital. They can also talk with caregivers about how to support siblings.
  • Nutritionists will ensure your child is well nourished through diet or intravenous feeding.