Caregivers of the Emergency Department

Who will you see while you’re at Children’s of Alabama Emergency Department?

Attending or Faculty are physicians that have usually completed both residency and fellowship and are often functioning as a supervisor in the care of many patients.

Child Life Specialists are professionals who work with patients and families to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization and illness. They provide patients with age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures.

Clinical Assistants (CA) are individuals qualified by academic education and clinical experience or other training to provide patient care services by assisting the registered nurse. Their duties include activities such as taking vital signs of patients, transporting patients, stocking of supplies, and sitting with patients one on one as needed.

Fellows are physicians who have completed both medical school and residency but have decided to further specialize in a particular area of pediatrics. Pediatric emergency medicine fellows function the same as pediatric emergency medicine faculty (attendings) during their time in the Emergency Department.

Nurse Practitioners (NP or CRNP) are registered professional nurses with advanced education and training in the care of patients. Nurse Practitioners functions as providers similar to a physician.

Patients Registration Clerks enter, update and verify all data necessary for the patient, and third-party payers. They collect demographic and insurance information, obtain signatures for required registration forms, and collect patient co-pays.

Registered Nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patient’s cope with illness. When providing patient care, they may ask questions; perform an assessment, record and report symptoms, reactions, and progress. They also perform treatments such as starting IVs and administering medications.

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RT) specialize in patient’s breathing. They are under doctor's supervision to treat a patient's breathing problem. They treat the problem with oxygen, medication or a combination of both remedies.

Residents are physicians who have obtained their M.D. degree from an accredited medical school. They have chosen to specialize in Pediatrics therefore they rotate throughout the entire hospital as part of their continued education and often will be the first physician to evaluate your child’s medical illness.

Unit Clerk (UC) provides clerical support to the unit and facilitates communications with patients, families, visitors, staff, physicians, and with other departments in the hospital.