Patient Care

Nurse coordinators play a crucial role in guiding patients through every stage of the transplant process, from initial evaluation to recovery and long-term follow-up. They ensure care is well-coordinated and comprehensive by explaining the evaluations and therapies, including the purpose and the risks and benefits of any treatment being proposed. Nurse coordinators manage scheduling for tests, transplant dates, and donor searches, if required.

Working closely with transplant doctors, they coordinate inpatient and outpatient services such as physical therapy, wound care, and home health support. Nurse coordinators also facilitate communication between the medical team and referring doctors and help patients transition home by arranging follow-up visits and annual checkups to support ongoing recovery.

Pictured from left to right: Mandi Bombard, Erica Johnson, Gretchen Lilja, Nicle Beck, Hannah Carlson and Emi Ede

Social workers are integral to the transplant program, offering emotional and practical support to pediatric patients, as well as their families. Each patient is assigned a social worker who provides guidance from the initial visit through the transplant journey, and help navigate the complexities of medical care.

Social workers address practical concerns such as housing and transportation, as well as the emotional impact of the transplant process. They provide counseling, teach stress management techniques, and connect patients and families with resources and support groups. 
 

Pictured from left to right: Kathryn Elison, Phil Kuehn, Vanessa Hausman

We offer low-cost housing options, including the large Ronald McDonald House, where families can stay for months during the treatment process. We also collaborate closely with advocacy groups to address the unique concerns of each family, ensuring that their needs are met throughout their journey.

The financial services team assigns a case manager to each patient to help manage the financial aspects of patient care. Case managers work directly with insurance providers, patients, and the medical team to secure necessary approvals and coverage. They also assist in exploring payment options for any expenses not covered by insurance and coordinate payment for treatment-related services, alleviating financial stress as best we can to allow patients and families to focus on their care.

The transplant program features a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled medical professionals dedicated to providing expert care.

• Attending Doctors oversee treatment plans and guide the care team.
• Consulting Doctors bring expertise in specialized areas, such as infections, kidney disease, or intensive care.
• Medical Fellows are pediatric physicians getting additional training in genetics, blood and marrow transplant, cell therapies or other fields.
• Hospitalists manage daily medical needs during hospital stays.
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) prescribe medicine and treatment. They monitor patient progress and issues, adjust treatments as needed, working closely with attending doctors in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.
• Pharmacists ensure the right medicines are given for the medical diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Nursing Staff and Nursing Assistants provide bedside care and monitor patient health.
• Physical and Occupational Therapists assist with regaining strength, mobility, and independence.
• Dietitians develop personalized nutrition plans to support recovery and overall health.