Understand the Treatment Team and their Functions
The Treatment Team works collaboratively to provide a plan of treatment for a positive outcome.
Nurse Manager
Unit nurse managers are responsible for the supervision of nursing staff and client care, as well as the overall functioning of the unit. Clients can take their concerns to the nurse manager or to assigned members of the treatment team. The nurse manager supervises, facilitates, and coordinates the treatment and progress of each client assigned to that unit – from initial treatment planning to discharge.
Staff Psychiatrists
Upon admission to the hospital unit, a psychiatrist is assigned. The psychiatrist initially meets with the client to make and confirm diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis the psychiatrist will choose the most effective medical treatments also makes the final decision when the client is ready for discharge.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses work directly with clients. They are actively involved in patient education groups, administering medications, and other activities that will enhance the client’s restoration to competency.
Clinical Social Workers
Social workers discuss the services available in the hospital and provide the client with therapy to educate them in learning how to cope with life’s problems. Clients also obtain information through their assigned social worker about their mental illness, as well as treatments and other services. The social worker also works closely with the client’s family to connect them with other services and community resources.
Recreational/Activity Aides
Recreational therapists teach skills to enhance physical activities, and structure ways that the client can use their free time in a positive way.
Music Therapists
Music therapists teach and develop the client’s coping skills, which enables the individual to express feelings, improve their mood and increase motivation with music.
Clinical Psychologist
After diagnosis, the clinical psychologist works with the treatment team to determine what treatments would be beneficial for the client. They implement and facilitate the development of a Master Treatment Plan. The psychologist also familiarize themselves with the client through communication and psychological testings to determine the client’s skills and problem areas. The psychologist works with the client individually, and also in group psychotherapy.
Dietitian
Registered dieticians determine client’s nutritional needs. The dietician also caters to the client’s illness, injury or medical condition that requires a specialized diet. They develop a nutrition plan that will augment the best healthy outcome for the client, during hospitalization.
Clinical Pharmacist
Pharmacists sometimes meet with clients individually or at a regularly schedule medication group meeting and answer questions about medications.
Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric technicians ensure that clients maintain their schedule in activities for daily living. Psychiatric Technicians work closely with the nurses to provide assistance to nursing care and and activities as needed. They take the client’s vital signs, monitors and escort the client, and assist with grooming and hygiene.
Family
The client’s family help to provide the necessary information about the client’s physical and mental health. They work together with the team as a support system to enhance the client’s recovery, and restoration to competency.