Because you know your child best, we encourage you to participate as much as possible in his or her care. You can help our staff by sharing information, and always feel free to ask questions. Physicians usually make rounds early in the morning, which is a good time to ask questions. Your child will be cared for by a team of pediatric health care professionals, including the following:

Attending Physicians
Each child has an attending physician who is a board certified pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. Please be aware that your child’s attending physician may change during his or her hospitalization.

Fellows
Fellows have completed their residency in pediatrics and are taking additional training to become pediatric specialists.

Residents
Residents, or physicians in training after medical school, are also responsible for all aspects of your child’s care while in the hospital. First-year residents do most of the day-to-day work and are supervised by the attending physician and senior residents.

Physician Assistants
Physician assistants help coordinate your child’s care along with the team.

Medical Students
Medical students are closely supervised.

Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who work closely with your child’s health care team.

Nurse Managers
Nurse managers are responsible for operations and administrative functions on the unit to assure quality care for all patients.

Nurses
Registered pediatric nurses are prepared to give your child specialized physical and emotional care, and also help the family meet their needs.

Nursing Students
Clinical nursing students, under close supervision by a clinical instructor or nurse on the unit, may interact with or care for your child.

Dieticians
Dieticians work closely with doctors and nurses to ensure that patients receive proper nutrition during their stay. They can also help accommodate patients’ special needs, as well as kosher and vegetarian meals.

Pharmacists
Pharmacists provide the medicine that your child receives in the hospital.

Occupational, Physical, Respiratory and Speech Therapists
These therapists provide specialized care as needed.

Bereavement Coordinator
A bereavement coordinator provides bereavement support and palliative care services to Hopkins Children’s families facing life-threatening illnesses and end-of-life concerns, and collaborate with community resources to support families. Dial 410-614-4750.

Social Workers
Social workers will help you with special problems related to your child’s illness or physical handicaps; they can help locate community resources, such as special education, counseling, home health and financial guidance. Dial 410-955-6518.

Chaplains
Chaplains are available for pastoral care and spiritual support. Please dial 410-955-5842; after 5 p.m. and on weekends, dial 410-955-6070 and ask the operator to page the chaplain on-call.

Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists help children adjust to being hospitalized; provide therapeutic play to promote development, reduce stress and prepare children for medical procedures; and provide opportunities for children to play, celebrate holidays and keep up with schoolwork. Please dial 410-955-6276.

Clerical Associates
Clerical associates act as receptionists and handle clerical duties to keep the patient-care areas running smoothly.

Others You May Meet

• Family Relations Representatives can help you resolve problems. Dial 5-CARE (52273) from your bedside phone.
• Protective Services Officers are uniformed security officers who are here to provide a safe environment for patients, families and visitors. For questions about safety or parking, dial 410-955-5333.
• Public Affairs staff helps tell the Hopkins Children’s story through the media, publications and special events. If you would like to share your story, dial 410-502-9428. 
• Volunteers assist the staff in meeting the needs of patients and families.