About the health care team - Fraser Health Authority

Intensive Care – Getting to Know YourHealth Care TeamMembers of the health care team may differ from unit to unit and their roles may be unfamiliar to you. Abrief description of these roles is given below. If you wish more information, feel free to ask the staffmember more about their role.Unit ClerksThese are usually the first people you will meet on admission. They will assist you when you wish to visitor communicate with any of the health care team. They also provide clerical duties for the unit.PhysiciansMost critical care or intensive care units are what we call “closed units” meaning that once within the unit,care is determined by the core group of physicians that staff the unit. These physicians may berespirologists, cardiologists, internists or intensivists depending on the type of unit. All have specialtytraining to manage the overall care of the critically ill patients.Critical Care NursesNurses with specialty training in critical careprovide most of the direct hands-on care for thepatient. The scope of this care ranges fromproviding for basic needs to managing the highlyspecialized drugs and equipment that may benecessary to support the heart and lungs.Depending on the unit, some care may also begiven by a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or anurse aide (NA).Respiratory Therapists (RTs)Respiratory Therapists are specialists inmanaging all therapies related to breathing.Care provided by RTs includes breathingtreatments and tests, management of artificialairways and artificial ventilation (breathingmachines).

PhysiotherapistsPhysiotherapists assist patients as necessary to cough, turn and mobilize (get up). Maintainingstrength and conditioning is an important factor in getting better and transferring out of the criticalcare unit and physiotherapists are here to help you do that.PharmacistsThe clinical pharmacist ensures that important chronic medications are continued. He or she willwork with the team to make sure that your loved one receives the best possible medications fortheir illness, including optimizing the types and doses given, as well as monitoring for effectiveness,important interactions, and side effects.Social WorkerA social worker can help in setting up meetings with the physicians, clarifying information orproviding any needed supports for the family. Social work can also assist with any legal or financialmatters that may occur as a result of hospitalization. Please feel free to request to talk to the socialworker.DietitiansPatients in the ICU have higher than normal (and different) nutritional needs. Dietitians calculatethe individual needs for the patient and monitor their nutritional intake to ensure it is adequategiven their changing needs.AidesAides may be used to stock and clean equipment, assist with transporting patients and othersupportive tasks.HousekeepingHousekeepers have specialty training to provide cleaning within hospitals (measures to preventspread of infection) and for management of isolation rooms.StudentsIf at a teaching hospital, care may also be given by residents, medical students or students of anyhealth care profession under the supervision of our staff.