The Hospital Health Care Team

The doctor who admits you is usually responsible for directing your care while you are in the Hospital. If you have questions about your illness or treatment, talk to your doctor. If you have any questions about who is managing your care, please ask your nurse. Because Carle is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Illinois College of Medicine, you also may be seen by medical students or residents. If you do not wish to be seen by medical students, please inform your doctor. See below for descriptions of the Carle hospital health care team.

The Nursing Staff

Twenty-four hour nursing care is provided by a team of professional registered nurses, clinical nurse educators, licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants. A nurse manager is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each unit. Student nurses, under the direction of Carle professionals and their college or university, also may play a role in your care. Please talk to your nurse or the nurse manager if you have questions or concerns. You can contact your nurse or the nurse manager by using the nurse call button located near your bed.

Hospitalist Service

The Hospitalist Service team at Carle is made up of professionals who work together to provide the highest level of quality care possible. Team members include physicians, a specially trained group of nurses and patient care assistants, therapists, case coordinators, social workers, dietitians and pastoral care.

If your doctor has recommended that you be admitted to the Hospitalist Services Unit, your medical care will be coordinated by a doctor who specializes in caring for patients admitted to the Hospital, along with input from your primary care provider. At least once a day during your stay on the Unit, your team will meet with you to talk about your care, answer questions you may have, and ensure that your needs are being met. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with any member of your Hospitalist Services team. Once you are discharged from the Hospital, you will return to seeing your primary care doctor.

Inpatient Pharmacy

The Inpatient Pharmacy provides efficient, patient-focused pharmacy services to hospital inpatients, outpatients and emergency department patients, as well as to specific departments and units of the hospital. The Pharmacy provides drug information for medical professionals and patients while promoting safe and cost effective drug therapy.

Palliative Medicine

The Carle Foundation Hospital Palliative Medicine Team is a team of health care specialists working together to coordinate the care, relieve the suffering and promote the quality of life of hospital patients with advanced illness or complex medical issues, regardless of age or diagnosis.  The team includes a physician, nurse practitioner, social worker and chaplain. More.

Dietitians

A staff of full-time, registered dietitians are available to plan your dietary needs during your stay.

Nurse Case Managers

Case managers are assigned to each patient care area. They are prepared to help you with your stay, including insurance certification and coordinating services needed upon discharge from the Hospital.

Social Work Case Managers

Social work case managers are assigned to each patient care area and are prepared to help patients and family members manage financial, social and emotional problems that relate to illness or hospitalization.

Pastoral Care

Total patient care requires attention to the spiritual, as well as the physical and emotional needs of each patient. Members of the pastoral care staff are available to you, whatever your religious tradition. Pastoral care services are provided by a full-time chaplain and several chaplain interns or residents. All of our chaplaincy staff have completed specialized training for hospital ministry. Your priest, minister or rabbi is always welcome to visit you during your stay.

Housekeepers

Your room is cleaned daily by a member of our housekeeping staff. If there is a housekeeping problem in your room, tell your nurse and the problem will be resolved.

Volunteers/Auxiliary

Auxiliary members, volunteers and student volunteers contribute many hours of service and financial assistance to the Hospital. They supplement the services of our staff in many ways and can be identified by their name tags.

Other Staff

During your stay, you may be visited by many other health professionals including staff from our Laboratory, X-ray, Respiratory Care and Therapy Services departments. If you have questions about any treatment or procedure, don't hesitate to ask the technician or your nurse.