Your Healthcare Team

Medical staff

Our physicians are approved by state licensing boards. They:

• Manage your care
• Teach and supervise resident physicians and medical students

Resident physicians/house staff

Residents are eligible for a medical license and are receiving advanced education in a medical specialty. They are:

• Involved in your care
• Supervised by attending physicians, the physician responsible for your care

Medical students

Medical students may observe your care as part of their training to become physicians. As part of their training, they:

• May document your medical history and ask about past illnesses and injuries that could help determine your treatment course
• Are closely supervised by attending or resident physicians

RNs are professional clinical nurses licensed by the California Board of Registered Nurses. They are most directly involved with meeting your day-to-day needs. The role of the RN is to:

• Assess your health status and needs
• Develop a care plan
• Collaborate with you, your family, physicians and other healthcare professionals
• Evaluate treatment outcomes
• Educate you about your illness and care
• Act as an advocate for you and your family
• Answer your questions and arrange for additional care needs

During your care at UCI Health, you also may encounter licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), psychiatric technicians, nursing students and senior hospital assistants. These team members assist in daily care activities and work under the supervision of an RN. Hospital unit service coordinators assist with admission and discharge procedures, make appointments for any special treatments you may need, as well as assist your family and friends at the nurse’s station.

Nursing students assist you while under the supervision of registered nurses and a nursing instructor from their school.

Our case managers ensure that you are safely discharged from the hospital. They:

• Work with your insurance company, doctor, nurse and family to determine what you may need once you go home, including special equipment, medications or home healthcare
• Help you understand your options when insurance does not cover the services you are receiving

Clinical social workers are available for supportive counseling. They:

• Provide counseling related to stress and uncertainty of your illness or injury
• Are available to you, your family and significant others during your hospital stay
• Recommend resources throughout the community that may assist you after your discharge

Registered dietitians are professional nutrition experts, credentialed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association). They oversee your nutritional care by providing comprehensive nutrition assessments and dietary education.

Laboratory technicians or nurses will collect blood or other samples ordered by your physician. Your samples will be tested by licensed professionals in our laboratories and results will be given to your physician.

Licensed respiratory care practitioners are provided at your physician’s request. They may assist you with breathing treatments and exercises, assess your breathing status and monitor oxygen and other equipment needed for your care.

Radiological procedures are performed at your physician’s request. Radiologists are physicians who specialize in imaging tests and techniques and will interpret the results of your procedure.

View Radiology Services for more information ›

At your physician’s request, you may receive assistance from rehabilitation specialists before you are discharged. These specialists include:

• Physical Therapy

Physical therapists, assistants and technicians can help you improve or regain physical abilities that may have been lost from illness, injury or birth defect

• Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists can help you build and regain skills important to daily living and work activities

• Speech and Hearing Therapy

A team of speech pathologists provides diagnosis and treatment for patients with difficulties in chewing, swallowing or speaking caused by physical injury, illness or birth defects

View Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation for more information ›