Caregivers work closely with patients and families and get to know you well. Your Kernan Hospital treatment team may include some or all of these professionals:
Physicians / Surgeons
Your physician diagnoses your medical condition. He or she also plans your treatment. Your primary physician (also called the attending physician is a specialist in your area of need. He or she examines you and also consults with your family about your progress. Your primary physician also coordinates your care by other medical specialists on our staff.
Nurses
Nurses provide much of your direct, day-to-day care. They administer medications, dress and treat wounds, watch your nutrition, and regularly check your blood pressure and other vital signs. Your primary nurse, who oversees your care while you are at Kernan, explains your treatment and answers questions. He or she provides the patient education you and your family need to help you learn to take care of yourself while you are in the hospital and after you leave.
Physical Therapist (PT)
Your PT shows you ways to build strength, balance, coordination and endurance to help you improve mobility. As needed, he or she helps you to either walk on you own or use a walker, cane or other aid.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Your OT helps you build upper-body strength and coordination. Occupational therapists show you how to do specific tasks such as dress, bathe, groom yourself, transfer from a chair to a wheelchair and prepare food. He or she may also teach you how to use special devices to make such tasks easier.
Speech-Language Pathologist (Speech Therapist)
Speech therapists evaluate and treat patients help them improve their ability to communicate effectively and manage swallowing problems. Speech Therapy addresses improving the quality of speech that is difficult to understand, improving language, cognitive and memory skills as well as retraining reading/writing skills. He or she may also teach patients how to use an electronic or computerized communication system.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
The therapeutic recreation specialist helps patients regain the physical, mental, emotional and social skills they need to take part in hobbies, sports, and other activities. He or she leads outings to restaurants, sports events or other community settings so patients can practice using skills they will need when they leave the hospital. Your specialist may also work with you one-on-one to show you how you can resume your former activities or develop new interests.
Case Manager
Your case manger monitors and coordinates your care while you are at Kernan. He or she meets regularly with you and your treatment team to review your care, and helps address your questions and problems. He or she also keeps your family and insurance company informed about your treatment and progress.
Your case manager may work with you and your family if you have financial, family or personal problems that might make it hard for you or your family to cope with your disability after you leave Kernan. He or she may provide educational information and referrals to other sources of help. These include social service agencies, support groups and organizations that supply special equipment.
Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian evaluates your nutritional needs when you enter Kernan and regularly during your stay. He or she may also counsel you and your family about nutrition and special dietary needs.
Dentist
Our dentists provide a variety of services at our dental suite, which is unique among rehabilitation hospitals. The services include evaluations, hygiene, restoration, prosthetics, endodontics and oral surgery. If you are an inpatient, you will be referred to the dentist by your doctor if you need help. If you are an outpatient, you may call and make an appointment for dental services.
Neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist may meet with you at various points in your treatment to test your awareness, ability to think and make judgements, and your emotional state. Neuropsychologists may also provide psychological and vocational counseling to individuals and groups.
Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Liaison Nurses
If you are anxious, depressed, cannot sleep and have extreme pain, your primary doctor may request a consult by a member of the psychiatric staff. These staff members give treatment advice to you and your other caregivers.