Your Health Care Team

Physicians and House Staff

Your physician is a member of the medical and dental staff of The Miriam Hospital. He or she may be assisted in caring for you by members of the hospital house staff, nurse practitioners and hospitalists (physicians based at the hospital who coordinate your hospital care with your primary care physician). The house staff consists of medical school graduates who are qualified physicians receiving their post-graduate training at the hospital. Members of the house staff may work with your physician to plan the best possible care for you. They may, at the discretion of your physician, be responsible for carrying out your physician's orders for your treatment. Members of the house staff keep constant watch over your condition and will notify your physician if any problems develop.

In addition to house staff, individuals studying medicine will also be involved in your care. These men and women have been carefully selected for admission to The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. They help make the medical environment at The Miriam Hospital a stimulating and sympathetic one. The special attention and competent care you receive from these professional men and women is one of the distinct advantages of a teaching hospital.

Nursing Staff

The nursing staff at The Miriam Hospital consists of more than 700 registered nurses who are assisted by licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants and unit secretaries. The high quality nursing that you receive at The Miriam is attributed to experienced and caring nurses who are committed to your care. In fact, The Miriam is one of only a handful of hospitals nationwide who received the Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services. The Magnet award recognizes The Miriam Hospital for achieving excellence in nursing services and quality patient care. Magnet designation is reserved for nursing organizations that serve as models for top quality nursing care and excellence in nursing leadership.

Depending on your needs, you will be assigned to a primary nurse and possibly a case manager who will develop a plan of care especially for you. On a daily basis, your primary nurse or case manager will coordinate the activities of your health care team. Through this professional model you will receive the full range of nursing services.

You can take comfort in knowing that the same team of nurses will be caring for you and charting your progress. These nurses will be familiar with all aspects of your care, so they will be able to see changes that others might not diagnose as quickly. We think the best prescription for improved health is continuous care provided by the same expert and compassionate caregivers.

Private Duty Nurses

Private duty nurses are sometimes recommended by doctors or requested by the family for a patient who requires special care. The nursing office can provide you with the information to hire a private duty nurse if necessary. The nursing department retains responsibility for your care; therefore, the private duty nurse is supervised by the nursing staff on the unit. Private duty nurses are not allowed in the intensive care unit. Private duty nurses are not employed by the hospital; therefore, they are paid directly by the patient. For more information on private nurses, please call 793-3666 (internally dial ext. 3-3666).

Volunteers

We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time to help others. Volunteers provide supplementary help in numerous departments. Whether they are updating family members on a patient's status, directing phone calls or greeting patients, caring is the most important service they perform. Through volunteering, they demonstrate their concern for their fellow man by giving of their time and themselves. It's just one of the many valuable ways that past patients, family members and friends have shown their gratitude to The Miriam Hospital. The director of volunteers will be glad to discuss our volunteer program with you. For more information, please call 793-2510 (internally dial ext. 3-2510).

Your accommodations