Team Members

To best meet the individual and complex medical needs of our acute-care patients, CareLink uses a team approach. Teams are led by a physician and include representatives from different disciplines such as nursing, care coordination, dietary services, pharmacy, respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapies, and others as appropriate to the case. Physician specialists are also included when needed. Patients and their family members are important members of the team, as well, and they are encouraged to participate in all aspects of care.

Physicians are responsible for planning treatment, care and patient rehabilitation in accordance with individual medical needs.

Nurse Practitioners assist physicians and the team in implementing the treatment plan. They also assist in management of patient care to meet individual patient needs and goals when appropriate.

Nurses provide 24-hour care, helping to shape treatment plans while assessing/reassessing patient progress. CareLink nurses have both strong caring and strong clinical skills and help patients and families adjust to their illness or disease process.

Care Coordinators are usually the first CareLink staff a patient meets. They often visit patients at home or hospital, helping them to prepare for the CareLink experience and telling them what they can expect during their stay.

Registered Dieticians evaluate patient’s nutritional status upon arrival, make dietary recommendations, and are available for dietary consultation with patients and families throughout the hospital stay.

Respiratory Therapists assess respiratory status. They maximize the patient’s ability to breathe comfortably, provide support through oxygen delivery, nebulized medications, non-invasive ventilation or invasive ventilator care.

Pharmacists oversee patient medication routines and educate patients and families about discharge medications, making them aware of possible side effects or interactions.

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists help patients improve their ability to perform normal daily activities within the limitations of their medical condition. They increase strength and endurance in our patients.

Wound Care Nurse/Team evaluates and treats the wound, showing patients and family members how to clean, treat and dress it for proper healing.

Pastoral Care addresses the spiritual needs of patients and their families, an important part of holistic care.

Social Workers are the main link between the patient and the care team. They make sure the patient’s needs are being met and help make the discharge process and the return home smooth for patients and families.