From 1983 to 1991, she worked as a staff R.N. and in 1991 assumed the role of Clinical Nurse Manager. As such, she is responsible for the administrative and clinical direction of the Unit, development of the nursing staff, coordinator of the health care team activities, and serves as a liaison between the physician, nurse and patient. Marcia Mallerdino, Activity Therapist Ms. Mallerdino is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and has been with the unit for more than 7 years. This is based on diagnosis and previous response to therapy. Some patients benefit from multi-drug therapy, which requires close monitoring.
Patients participate in group therapy sessions.
If indicated, individual psychological and psychiatric counseling may be initiated. This non-drug therapy augments other therapies and can be extremely helpful to many patients. Physical and Activity Therapy. This includes exercise, massage, diathermy, and such activities as stress management, relaxation training and art therapy. Patient education, discussion groups, meetings with the staff pharmacist and classes with the dietitian are a few of the ways patients learn to understand the causes of headaches and the principles of successful treatment.