Personnel from various departments of the hospital will be directly serving you during your visit with us. So that you may know a little about these people and their departments, here are a few facts about each department and person concerned with your welfare.

Registered Nurse (RN) – Before obtaining registration, a nurse must graduate from an approved school of nursing and achieve a satisfactory score on the National Nursing Examination. 

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – A licensed practical nurse has graduated from a state-approved school for practical nurses, usually 13 months in length, and has achieved a satisfactory score on the National Nursing Examination.

Nursing Assistant – The nursing assistant has received training in the care of the sick and injured, passed a certification exam and continues to receive on-the-job training as long as he/she is employed.

Registered Radiologic Technologists - As a member of the diagnostic team, registered radiologic technologists assists the specialist physician (radiologist) in the use of x-ray films (radiographs) to examine the patient for broken bones, ulcers, tumors, or disease or malfunction of various organs. The radiographer adjusts the x-ray equipment to the correct setting for specific examination, positions the patient, makes the required number of radiographs. Also administers chemical mixtures to the patient so that certain organs show up clearly in the x-ray examinations, and may use mobile x-ray equipment at a patient’s bedside and in surgery. Usually, a technologist has undergone 1-4 years of formal training, leading to a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. With additional training, a technologist can specialize and work almost exclusively with specialized radiographic equipment. Radiographic technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Pathology (Laboratory)–This is a very important department in the hospital, for it is responsible for conducting many of the tests your doctor will order. Shortly after you were admitted, a laboratory technician took a sample of your blood. The technician may be required to perform many other tests during your hospitalization. The information from these procedures is most valuable to your doctor in prescribing the treatment you receive. The laboratory department maintains a blood bank when the need for blood arises. Someone must donate blood to replace what you have used. This donation of blood is made at the Red Cross blood bank and is on a one-for-one replacement basis.

Radiology (X-Ray) – X-rays are one of the most valuable aids to your doctor in diagnosing your illness. All X-ray examinations are accomplished only at the request of your attending physician and upon his orders. The radiology department is under the supervision of a certified radiologist, and all films and examinations are evaluated and interpreted by him. The results of these examinations are reported only to the attending physician.

You will receive two bills for your X-rays—one from the hospital for the cost of materials, equipment, and technician’s time; another from the radiologist for his professional interpretation and consultation with your physician.

Emergency Department – The hospital has a fully-equipped emergency department which is staffed 24 hours a day by physicians and trained professional nurses. Efficient and immediate care for the emergency patient is one of the most important services performed by the hospital.

Every effort is made to give all emergency patients prompt treatment. Our first responsibility, however, is to offer immediate aid to the more seriously ill or injured. This may mean that those in less need will have a wait before being attended. The patient’s personal physician is used in every case where possible. Therefore, it is best to call your doctor before coming to the hospital if it is at all possible.

Physical Therapy – Your physician may order physical therapy services for therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation. Your treatment will be performed under the direction of a licensed physical therapist in either your room or another area of the hospital.

Respiratory Therapy - Your physician my order respiratory therapy services to assist you with your lung functioning.  Respiratory therapists are also a vital part of the emergency response team within the hospital.  Respiratory therapists often work with patients who have chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as those who have had a heart attack, accident victims, premature infants, people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer or AIDS.

Auxiliary Volunteer – This person, who is a member of the Conway Medical Center Auxiliary, may assist you with admitting, discharging, and delivering mail and flowers. The male volunteer wears a red jacket. The female volunteer wears a pink smock.

Case Management - The medical center case management staff work closely with community and statewide resources to meet the needs of patients and their families. Referrals may be made to the medical center case management staff for counseling, discharge planning, nursing home placement, continuity of medical care, and other special needs of the patient.

Pharmacy - The pharmacy department is responsible for providing medication to patients as ordered by your physician. Medications are sent to patients daily from the pharmacy.

Dietary - During your medical center stay, you will be provided meals according to your doctor's orders.

*Soft drinks are provided by request only and may be ordered through your catering associate.
*The first floor Cafe and Grill are available for daily specials and a variety of health treats and meals.

Other Personnel – In addition to those listed above, you will come in contact with service aides of the housekeeping department, maintenance personnel in the engineering department, and technicians; yet these are only a portion of the personnel working for you at the hospital. Many hospital employees are serving you indirectly in medical records, business office, storeroom, personnel and administration.

At this time, there are approximately four employees per patient serving you in your time of need. Isn’t it a reassuring thought that your hospital is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to serve you in the event you might need to use its services?