Occupational Therapist - Inpatient - Rehab - Med Occ Therapy

Overview

• Evaluate, plan, direct and administer Occupational Therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician, performing all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors
• Has skills in the inpatient settings to effectively provide Occupational Therapy evaluations and treatments to acute and swing level patients.
• Should be flexible and responsive to providing care in alternative settings such as the Outpatient Rehab clinic, Emergency Department, PACU, Express Care, or other identified area of need.
• Should at minimum be familiar with best practice and common treatments for inpatient and swing rehabilitation  pathologies, such as, but not limited to; orthopedics, neurological conditions, asthenia due to illness, and general pathophysiology of common disease (Pneumonias, Cancers, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.).  
• Should be proficient with rendering common treatment techniques such as, but not limited to; Activities of daily living (ADLs), manual therapy, neuro rehab techniques, cognitive screening and care, exercise modalities, and use of functional activities to help patients reach maximum function

Responsibilities

Clinical Practice: 

• Administers treatments and occupational agents as prescribed by a referring physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability.
• Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.
• Observes and evaluates treatment affect. Recommends change to physician, if needed.
• Performs an appropriate evaluation and assessment on each patient, as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments, as per policy. This may include pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation - makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching, as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.

Administrative:

• Directs appropriate Occupational Therapy Department staff, including: Occupational Therapy Assistants; Rehabilitation Aides/Mobility Technicians; Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant certification applicants; and/or Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant students
• Maintains records pertinent to the personnel and operation of the department.
• Meets current clinical documentation standards and policies.
• Assists with orientation and inservice training for certified department staff members.
• Participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Utilizes approved abbreviations when recording information.
• Ensures that patient charges are accurate and entered on a timely basis.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy or equivalent. 
• Experience in providing Occupational Therapy within the inpatient and swing setting is preferred.  New graduates or other therapists who have not worked in an inpatient and/or swing setting may be considered. 

Required Licensure/Certifications