Medical Staff

While you are hospitalized, your care will be directed by a physician. This can be your personal physician, a specialist you have been seeing, or a member of your physician’s group who is on duty to see hospital patients. In addition, since 2002, a new physician specialty has been overseeing care for some hospital patients. This new specialty is a physician who works exclusively at the hospital, known as a Hospitalist. Each Hospitalist is a fully-qualified, licensed medical doctor. The Hospitalist oversees hospital care for patients when requested to do so by their personal physician. He or she also serves as the admitting physician for emergency patients who do not have their own physician. Hospitalists are specialists in all aspects of caring for patients during their stay in the hospital.

Nursing Staff

The essence of professional nursing combines the art of compassion and caring with the science of health care. Nursing places its focus not only on a particular health problem, but on the whole patient and the responses to treatment. Care of the patient and a firm base of scientific knowledge are critical elements to nursing care. The Registered Nurse directs and coordinates individualized nursing care with a team of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nursing Assistants Certified (NACs), unit coordinators and many other disciplines. The Vice President of Patient Care, Directors, Nurse Managers and Clinical Nurse Specialists are responsible for the units’ clinical quality and operational activities. Please contact the Unit Manager during weekdays for any care concerns or questions. The Manager’s picture is on the unit with a phone number. If no response, and after hours, please call the operator and ask for the House Manager.

Rehabilitation Service Professionals

Therapy services provided in the hospital include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Physical Therapists work on helping you move around again. This includes getting in and out of bed, walking in your room/hall, and strengthening exercises. Occupational Therapists work on self-care activities including dressing, bathing, getting on and off the toilet, arm/hand strengthening, and can also recommend equipment you might find helpful for home. Speech Therapists work primarily on swallowing and determining what food/fluid consistency is best to prevent choking. They also work on communication if you are having trouble expressing yourself or understanding others. They can provide pocket talkers and communication boards.

Dietitians

The hospital has a staff of full-time registered Dietitians to plan for your nutritional needs during your stay. If you have questions about your meals or diet, dial ext. 4404.

Spiritual Care

Our Spiritual Care Team consults with individual patients, families and friends about crisis intervention, ethical decision making, organ donation, grief and spiritual support. Chaplains provide spiritual care and support to people of any faith 24 hours a day. We also will gladly contact your personal minister, if you desire. To reach a Chaplain, dial 0.

Social Workers

Social Workers in each patient care area can help patients and family members deal with financial, social and emotional issues that relate to illness, including long-term care, hospitalization and rehabilitation. They also actively help you and the nursing staff plan for discharge. Ask your nurse to contact your unit’s Social Worker, or call ext. 6320.

Environmental Services

Environmental Services staff clean your room daily. If there is a housekeeping need in your room, tell your nurse or dial ext. 3490, and it will be taken care of as soon as possible.

Business Office

Staff in the hospital’s Business Office answer questions about your hospital bill and help you interpret financial policies and billing procedures. Dial ext. 6500.

Volunteers

Volunteers help provide a compassionate and healing environment through the services and assistance they provide to patients, staff and physicians. Applications are always welcome. Call the Volunteer Office, ext. 6324.

Students

St. Joseph Hospital has a responsibility to help train the next generation of health professionals to ensure ongoing excellence in care far into the future. Therefore, we maintain affiliations with many schools to provide clinical learning opportunities for students. Most patients enjoy being part of the students’ training. If not, you may request not to have students involved in your care.

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