Staff Definitions

Meet Our Team

The following is a list of healthcare staff that will work with your coordinating physician and registered nurse to implement your plan of care:

Administrative Support Assistant

These staff members handle the clerical aspects of the unit, including scheduling and communication.

Audiologists

Audiologists are healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss, balance disorders and tinnitus in adults and children.

Clinical Educator

These nurse experts have a master’s degree and are specially trained. They are available to assist you and/or your care providers in areas such as special education needs, family support and clinical care needs.

Clinical Pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists are experts in medication therapy and are available to consult with you on your medications. Phelps’ clinical pharmacist has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is qualified to educate patients and families on the right way to take medication, possible side effects or drug interactions, and what to do after leaving the hospital.

Dietitians

Our dietitians are specially trained in their area of expertise and can assist you with any special nutritional or dietary needs.

Hospitalists

Hospitalists are experts in the medical care of hospitalized patients and work full time in the hospital. Although your own primary care physician is not physically present, he or she continues as an important part of your healthcare team. Your hospitalist will contact your primary care physician to obtain information on your condition and medical history, and will provide updates during your hospitalization. Because hospitalists are in the hospital 24 hours a day, they are able to immediately attend to your needs. Hospitalists coordinate your care with other specialists and ensure that all of your doctors work together toward your recovery.

Licensed Practical Nurses

These nurses may be your direct care providers. LPNs work under the direction of registered nurses attending to your needs.

Licensed Respiratory Therapists 

Respiratory therapists provide emergency care to patients in the hospital having difficulty breathing, suffering from cardiac or respiratory arrest, and who have a history of lung disease. Respiratory therapists also provide outpatient care in the Pulmonary Lab. Services offered include, but are not limited to, pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas draws and analysis, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, high altitude simulation testing and 6-minute walk tests. Call the Pulmonary Lab at 914-366-3712.

Nurse Case Managers

Nurse case managers work closely with your coordinating physician, social worker and other hospital staff to assist in making arrangements for your transition home or to the next level of your continuing care, such as an extended-care facility. They can help you obtain supplies you may need when you leave the hospital.

Patient Care Associate

These technicians may be assigned to help you with therapy or bathing. Techs work under the direction of an RN or therapist.

Physical and Occupational Therapists

These therapists help you regain your strength and independence during your hospitalization. You may also benefit from outpatient therapy after you return home.

Registered Nurses

RNs are nurses with advanced training and experience who will provide and coordinate your care.

Residents

Each year, eight physicians begin their three-year family medicine residency training at Phelps as part of the Phelps Family Medicine Residency Program, which is a collaboration between Phelps Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and Open Door Family Medical Centers. The residents care for patients at Phelps every day. They work with the more than 100 Phelps physicians who volunteer to teach them. The excellent care that residents provide and their eagerness to learn have added to the quality of care and the positive energy at the hospital. To contact the residency program office, please call 914-366-5350.

Social Workers

Social workers are available to help you and your family cope with the practical and emotional consequences of your illness or condition.

Speech-Language Pathologists

These therapists help patients with communication impairments and swallowing disorders. Speech therapy may continue at home or in an outpatient setting.