Please feel comfortable speaking with any members of your child’s treatment team when you have questions or concerns.
Pediatric Admission Coordinator
The pediatric admission coordinator works with the family and physician in planning for a child’s admission to the hospital.
Child Life Specialist
The child life specialist uses play and other techniques to help children and teens cope with changes in their health and functioning, medical procedures, hospitalization and separation from parents.
Driver Rehabilitation
A specialist from the Driver Rehabilitation department is available to assess transportation needs, vehicle modifications or, if appropriate, an adolescent’s driving abilities.
Family Members
Family members along with their child, are integral members of the treatment team and assist with goal setting and planning for return home. Families are a valuable source of information and are encouraged to participate at least weekly with nursing and therapies throughout their child’s stay.
Insurance/Rehabilitation Case Manager
Some insurance companies assign a rehabilitation nurse, case manager, or claims specialist to monitor and assure that reasonable and appropriate services are provided to the pediatric patient. While this person is not an employee of Mary Free Bed, he or she works closely with the family and rehabilitation team in establishing an appropriate discharge plan for each child and adolescent.
Nursing Patient Care Director
The nursing patient care director oversees the administrative and direct patient care aspects of nursing care provided to pediatric patients.
Nurse Practitioner
This is a registered nurse who has advanced training and skills to detect and manage various medical conditions. The nurse practitioner provides medical care along with the rehabilitation physician.
Nutrition Services/Dietitian
The dietitian completes a comprehensive nutritional screen/assessment and makes recommendations for sufficient oral and/or tube feeding calories and nutrients needed for normal growth. Works with nursing, therapists and the physician in addressing the medical nutrition therapy needs of the child.
Orthotist
The orthotist specializes in designing and making customized braces and splints and will be consulted as needed.
Occupational Therapists
The occupational therapist is primarily involved in strengthening and coordination of the arms and upper body. The occupational therapist assists the patient in activities of daily living (ADL’s) such as eating, drinking, dressing and bathing, as well as addressing any visual difficulties. They also assist in helping the child return to safe functioning within the community.
Pastoral Care
A chaplain is available to meet with patients and families to address spiritual needs and may assist in arranging for services from a particular denomination if desired.
Pediatric Patient
Each pediatric patient is an individual with unique rehabilitation needs. Patient participation in the treatment program is critical to the outcome of the rehabilitation program.
Physiatrist/Rehabilitation Physician
Coordinates and oversees all aspects of the child’s rehabilitation program. The physiatrist sees the child at regular intervals and consults additional medical specialists, as necessary.
Physical Therapists
The physical therapist assesses the child’s balance, muscle tone and flexibility, endurance, strength, coordination and ability to move about in their environment. A treatment program is then designed to meet the child’s individual needs. The physical therapist may also assist with evaluating a child’s equipment needs.
Pediatric Program Director
The program director oversees administrative functions of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Program, including program evaluation, program development, quality improvement, accreditation and budgeting.
Pediatric Program Supervisor
The program supervisor provides direct supervision to pediatric therapy staff in the day-to-day provision of services to pediatric patients and their families, and assists the Program Director with program development and evaluation, and quality improvement activities.
Pediatric Psychologist
The psychologist addresses cognitive (thinking) skills as well as emotional and behavioral adjustment. On the basis of an interview, observation, and specific tests, the psychologist provides recommendations regarding school re-entry. In addition, the psychologist will address any emotional coping difficulties or behavioral adjustment problems that the child may have. This can be done through individual and/or group psychotherapy and a behavioral management program if needed.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Nurses
A team of nurses consisting of RN’s, LPN’s and Nursing Assistants who provide 24-hour care to patients. They are specifically trained in rehabilitation needs of children and adolescents. One RN will be assigned as a primary case nurse to help coordinate all nursing care for your child.
School Teacher
A certified teacher coordinates school work with the home classroom and provides academic instruction when the child is ready. Services may be contracted through the Grand Rapids Public School District or provided by the child’s home school district. An average of two hours per week of instruction is provided.
Social Worker
The social worker becomes the primary contact person for the family once the child is admitted. The social worker meets with patients and families to provide individual and family counseling, family education, assist in discharge planning and identifying community resources. The social worker is the key communicator between the child, family, physician, team members and insurance representatives.
Speech-Language Pathologist
The speech language pathologist is responsible for the evaluation and treatment of all areas of communication, cognition and swallowing. These areas include: the ability to understand others, to express ideas clearly and to swallow safely. The speech pathologist will also participate in the treatment of cognitive problems such as attention, memory, problem-solving and organization.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
The recreation therapist provides therapy to improve the child’s social and leisure skills, to explore ways to resume former recreational activities and to introduce new leisure options.