Q: Who will take care of me during my hospital stay?

Ask Our Expert About Who Takes Care of Me At The Hospital

About Our Expert

Molly Sebastian is vice president of patient care services at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Q: Who will take care of me during my hospital stay?

A: As a patient at Lehigh Valley Hospital, you’ll see many caregivers coming in and out of your hospital room. Here’s who you’re most likely to see and what they do to help you get better:

Hospitalist: A hospitalist is a doctor who takes care of you while you’re in the hospital. Your primary care doctor and your hospitalist work together to make sure you get the best possible care. Hospitalists are always in the hospital, so they can be your primary care doctor’s eyes and ears 24 hours a day.

R.N. (registered nurse): Think of nurses as your advocates. They will direct and manage your care under your doctor’s direction while you’re in the hospital. Nurses at Lehigh Valley Hospital are even more important because we’re a Magnet hospital that attracts the nation’s best nurses to care for you. Our nurses spend more time at your bedside rather than filling out paperwork. Because of this, you’re likely to get out of the hospital sooner and have better health results. Our nurses also have the authority to use their best judgment to direct your care and they also regularly conduct research to determine new ways to improve patient care.

L.P.N (licensed practical nurse): L.P.N.s provide basic care—drawing blood, taking vital signs, monitoring catheters, giving medications—under the direction of a registered nurse.

Technical partners: You can identify a technical partner by their blue top and white or blue pants when they come into your hospital room. Technical partners are an important part of your care team. They can give treatments and perform diagnostic tests (for example, an EKG), as directed by a registered nurse. Among other responsibilities, they test blood-sugar levels, take vital signs and give baths.

Support partners: Support partners are responsible for keeping your room clean and tidy, assisting you if you need to use the bathroom or bathe, and transporting you for tests and surgery. They also help with food trays, and maintain supplies and equipment. Support partners wear blue tops with white pants.

Administrative partners: You might not see administrative partners in your room. But if you take a walk around the hallways, you probably will. Administrative partners answer the telephone, take messages, update families on your care and reassure them when they’re worried. They also keep their unit running smoothly by recording doctors’ orders into patient files every hour, so each nursing shift is aware of the care you received throughout the day.

Respiratory therapists: It’s possible you might see a respiratory therapist during your hospital stay. These health care professionals direct and manage your breathing (respiratory) and lung (pulmonary) care. A big part of their job is educating you. They might give you information and tools to manage your asthma or suggest ways to stop smoking.

Associate chaplains: When you need someone to listen to your concerns, associate chaplains are there. With an open ear and loving heart, they provide spiritual and emotional support to you and your family. Many times, an associate chaplain’s mere presence can bring you the gentle assurance you need. They can also help you connect with your local religious institution.

Physical therapists: Physical therapists determine if you need therapy while in the hospital and, if so, will start you on a program. They also recommend whether or not you need additional therapy at a rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facility before going home.

Case manager: If you’re admitted to our hospital, you’re assigned a case manager. This person coordinates your health insurance benefits during your stay, obtains authorizations for in-hospital and post-hospital care, and plans for your needs when you leave the hospital including arranging for assisted living, medical equipment or rehabilitation.

Dietitian: The meals you receive while a patient at LVHHN are determined by a dietitian based on your nutritional needs. Dietitians also work with doctors to provide a treatment plan that may include special diets and patient education.

Patient transporter: If you need tests or surgery or are being transferred to a different care unit, a patient transporter is likely the person who will wheel you where you need to go. They wear tan shirts or smocks and tan pants.

Registered pharmacist: You probably won’t see a pharmacist in your room, but you might see one if you walk down the hallways of your unit as they do work closely with other caregivers. You may also see a pharmacist if you pick up medications at our in-house pharmacy before you leave. Our pharmacists fill prescription orders, check to ensure you won’t have a problem with drug interactions and will counsel you on how to take your medicines properly.

Financial counselor: Another professional you might see at the hospital is a financial counselor. They help patients with the financial aspect of their care. They can help you if you are uninsured or unable to pay your hospital bills. You might be eligible for free care, a discount or a payment schedule. If you have any questions or concerns about your hospital bills, you’ll want to talk with one of our caring financial counselors.

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