Hospital Staff

Doctors and nurses provide your child's primary care. They are assisted by many other staff members who are specifically trained in the care of children. To help you know who is who, all hospital staff wear ID badges. If you are not sure who someone is, don't hesitate to ask your child's nurse.

Doctors

Doctors at Riley specialize in the care of children. A staff physician is responsible for your child's medical or surgical care. These physicians are helped by residents who are licensed doctors receiving advanced training. Medical students also will be involved in your child's care. They are under the direct supervision of staff physicians.

Nurses

Registered nurses, practical nurses, and patient care assistants provide your child's hour-to-hour care. On most units, your child will have a primary nurse who coordinates care with other members of Riley's health care team. The primary nurse will help involve you in your child's care.

Social workers

Social workers help children and families deal with problems that can occur with illness, hospitalization, surgery and outpatient care. They give support, guidance and counseling. They also can help you identify community resources such as home care agencies and transportation services. If you need to talk with a social worker, please call (317) 274-8312.

Patient Representatives

Patient representatives can help solve problems that might arise while your child is in the hospital. They also can answer your questions about Riley Hospital and help you deal with special family needs. To contact a patient representative, please call (317) 274-6637, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Child Life Specialists

Child life specialists at Riley try to make your child's stay in the hospital as enjoyable as possible. They coordinate play activities, education and special events into the usual hospital schedule of tests, treatments and examinations. For more information about Child Life at Riley, please call (317) 274-8723 or ask your child's nurse to introduce you to your unit's child life specialist.

Chaplains

Chaplains provide spiritual/emotional care and encouragement to children and families during hospitalization and outpatient visits. They give understanding, support and respect to persons of all faith groups and to those who have no religious preferences. They also can assist you in finding a spiritual leader from your own unique faith tradition. Chaplains are available anytime, day or night, on request. Please ask a staff person to call.