Question | Answer |
Physician | Licensed by the state to diagnose and treat disease and to prescribe medicine |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | An advanced practice registered nurse with a master's degree whose care focuses on a very specific patient population (e.g., diabetic, critical care, etc.) |
Nurse Practitioner(NP) | A registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him/her to diagnose and treat common illnesses; physician supervised in most states |
Physician Assistant (PA) | A health care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision |
Registered Nurse (RN) | Licensed by the state to make assessments and plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care; supervises other nursing staff |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) | Licensed by the state to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a RN |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Certified to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse |
Medication Aide (MA) | CNA who has taken additional classes in medication administration; allowed to give medications in some states under supervision of a licensed nurse |
Restorative Assistant (RNA) | CNA who has additional education in restorative nursing care; delivers care designed to assist the patient to attain and maintain his/her highest level of function |
Respiratory Therapist (RT) | Licensed to evaluate and treat diseases and problems associated with breathing and respiratory tract |
Occupational Therapist (OT) | Licensed to provide rehabilitative services to evaluate and treat persons with physical injury or illness, psychosocial problems, or developmental disabilities; care is directed towards improving fine motor skills and ADL's |
Orthotist | Licensed to design and fit braces and splints for the extremities |
Physical Therapist (PT) | Licensed to provide rehabilitative services to evaluate and treat persons with physical injury or illness, psychosocial problems, or developmental disabilities; care is directed towards restoring gross motor skills, mobility, and ambulation |
Speech Therapist | Licensed to provide services to individuals with speech and swallowing disorders caused by acute and chronic illness and trauma |
Social Worker | Licensed to assess and provide services for the nonmedical, psychosocial needs of the patient |
Chaplain | provides services to meet the religious and spiritual needs of patients; provides emotional support |
Pharmacist | licensed to fill prescriptions for medications as ordered by the physician; information resource for nurses and physicians for updates on new medications and for maintaining safe drug therapy for patients |
Phlebotomist | Individual who are trained to use needles to puncture a vein for the purpose of drawing blood |
Laboratory Technician | Laboratory worker who prepares specimens, operates automated analyzers, and performs manual lab test |
Laboratory Technologist | Individual who is trained to perform complex laboratory tests and microscopically examine blood, tissue, and other body substances |
Dietitian | Licensed to assess nutritional needs and provide food services for patients |
Administrator | provides general administration and supervision |
Environmental services | maintain a clean and comfortable environment |
Volunteers | Provide personal services such as delivering mail, doing errands, and providing reading materials |