Rehab Team
During your stay at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute you and your family will work closely with many members of our caring and dedicated health care team to design an individualized program and set goals. We hope this information will help you identify each team member’s role in your day-to-day activities.
The physiatrist is a physician who has special training and education in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The physiatrist is the rehabilitation team leader who with you, your family and other team members, designs a rehabilitation plan specific to your needs.
The rehabilitation nurse (RN) offers our patients special nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He or she teaches adaptive methods of self-care and helps the physician manage your medical needs.
The physical therapist (PT) works with you to help you achieve your maximum strength, coordination, balance and mobility. He or she will assist you in performing functional activities such as moving in and out of bed, walking and exercising.
The occupational therapist (OT) teaches you to function in all areas of your daily life. This includes such self-care skills as grooming, bathing, dressing and homemaking activities. The therapist will work with you and your family to make sure your home is safe and accessible.
The speech-language pathologist helps you if you have difficulty with communication, cognitive function or swallowing. Therapy focuses on your understanding, thought processes, speech and communication skills.
The social worker is your advocate and liaison with the rehabilitation team. He or she helps your family resolve issues resulting from your illness and injury.
The rehabilitation psychologist/neuropsychologist is available to support you and your family during treatment at JRI. Throughout this period, you may have to deal with difficult adjustment issues that may cause stress, anxiety or depression
The recreation therapist (RT) offers a variety of recreation and leisure activities designed to meet each individual’s needs. Programs are planned for you and, in some cases, your family members. Evening activities are also available.
The patient care technician (PCT) plays an important role in your rehabilitation process. In working with the patient care technician, you will have the opportunity to practice knowledge and skills you learn from your rehabilitation therapy team during your daily activities.
Clincal preadmission screeners are the gateway to your admission for the acute rehabilitation stay. They begin the process to assess an individualized plan of care that will address a holistic approach to meet your clinical needs to enhance your recovery.
Case managers are an integral part of the team that work with your rehabilitation physician to optimize your length of stay and respond to any insurance issues that may arise
Other health care professionals may help with your treatment. For example, an audiologist may help evaluate your hearing abilities and decide if a hearing aid or other adaptive equipment is necessary. Dietitians will assess your nutritional needs. Vocational counselors are available to help patients return to work.