Occupational Therapist (Inpatient), per diem

Conducts occupational therapy evaluation procedures according to professional and departmental guidelines.  

• Completes evaluation and documentation. 

• Reviews patient records, gathers necessary information, and clarifies any questions about physician’s orders prior to assessing the patient.  

• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations.  

• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including range of motion, manual muscle testing, ADLs, mobility); adapts evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients.  

• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendations.  

• Performs re-evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient’s status or response to treatment.  

• Educates patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations.  

Establishes treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third-party reimbursement requirements.  

• Formulates treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient’s unique psychological and functional deficits.  

• Establishes measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver.  

• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in patient’s status.  

• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to: insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.  

• Communicates patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed. Arranges for appropriate follow-up.  

Implements comprehensive treatment program.  

• Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients.  

• Recommends and/or issues appropriate ADL equipment and/or adaptive devices. For Hand Therapy patients, fabricates appropriate splint to address patient’s need. 

• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.  

• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions.   

Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and standards.  

• Completes patient care charges accurately. 

Shows evidence of on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.  

•  Stays current with advances in occupational therapy treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature.  

Participates in the development and evaluation of occupational therapy programs.  

• Identifies assigned rotation/floor needs and communicates with senior therapists and manager. 

• Contributes to the development and updating of clinical service line programs and other pertinent resource material.  

• Assists in developing and achieving area goals.  

• Collects data required to complete departmental quality improvement projects in compliance with established department standards.  

• Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of occupational therapy programs in collaboration with manager and peers.  

Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care. 

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on assigned floors. Instructs and assists ancillary and other personnel as necessary. 

• Participate on department and hospital task forces and committees.  

• Provides at least one evidence-based area in-service annually. Provides in-services to other hospital personnel as requested.  

• Monitors area equipment and supplies, ensuring equipment is accounted for and distributed evenly.  

Assists in orientation of newly hired OT staff to hospital. Functions as clinical instructor for occupational therapy students.  

• Participates in orientation with newly hired staff to hospital floors covered and verifies clinical competence on specialty areas as appropriate. 

• Communicates with manager about progress with orientation of new staff to ensure ability to function independently. 

• ICU experience preferred.  

• Master’s or higher preferred