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 Hopsital for Children at Indiana University Health 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 Hospital for Children at IU Health'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. To learn more, please visit our site that discusses our services. If you need to talk with a social worker, please call 317.944.8312.
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 317.944.6637, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Child Life Specialists
Child life specialists at Riley at IU Health 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 Riley Hospital for Children Child Life Program at Indiana University Health, please call 317.944.8723 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.
Grief Support
Hope in Healing is a pediatric bereavement program that provides compassionate, individualized grief support to families who have lost a child at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. We believe every family who experiences a loss should receive the support they need.To learn more, please continue reading about our program.
