Other Important ICU Team Members

IMPORTANT

You can always request any of these services. Inquire with your bedside nurse.

Respiratory Therapists

  • Help with breathing treatments and inhalers
  • Set up and manage breathing machines (like ventilators, CPAP, and BiPAP)
  • Assist nurses with special breathing-related tests

Physical Therapists (PT)

  • Help patients regain strength and mobility
  • Focus on activities like walking, balance, and stamina
  • Train families to support safe movement

Occupational Therapists (OT)

  • Help with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
  • Start physical and cognitive rehabilitation
  • Plan for home needs after discharge (like special equipment)
  • Adapt routines to conserve energy and build strength

Case Managers

  • Ensure patients have accurate health information
  • Help with discharge planning and transitions to other facilities
  • Coordinate care among different teams
  • Connect patients with needed equipment and services

Social Workers

  • Provide counseling and emotional support
  • Lead support groups
  • Help with healthcare decisions
  • Connect families with community resources

Speech Therapists (Speech Language Pathologists or SLP)

  • Evaluate swallowing ability and recommend safe food textures
  • Help with speech and language issues
  • Provide cognitive rehabilitation (memory, thinking skills)

Dietitians

  • Create appropriate nutrition plans
  • Manage special dietary needs
  • Oversee food preparation and delivery

Pharmacists

  • Review all medications for safety and effectiveness
  • Ensure home medications are continued as needed
  • Explain new medications before discharge

Diagnostic Staff

  • Phlebotomists: Draw blood for tests (wear teal scrubs)
  • Radiology Technicians: Perform X-rays and other imaging

Palliative Care Team

  • Help with comfort and goal-setting for chronically ill patients
  • Focus on quality of life and symptom management

Volunteers

  • Offer books, games, and activities to brighten your stay

Pastoral Care Team/Chaplain

  • Provide spiritual support upon request

Child Life Specialists

  • Help children cope with being in the hospital
  • Support families in talking to children about a loved one’s illness

See our Care Team Overview for more details about your full care team.