Occupational Therapist - Inpatient/Swingbed

Occupational Therapist

Responsible for the evaluation, planning, directing and administering of occupational therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Helps in-patients and swing bed patients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function; help patients to have independent, productive and satisfying lives. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate action to remain in budget guidelines. The Occupational Therapist participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.

Role and Responsibilities

Knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.

Knowledge of physical and occupational therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.

Coordinates, delegates and supervises responsibilities assigned to supportive staff (Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Aides, etc.).

Performs an appropriate assessment on each patient, as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments, as per policy. This includes neonate, 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.

Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of occupational therapy modalities.

Observes and evaluates treatment effect. Recommends change to physician, if needed.

Recommends changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.

Helps patients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination and perceptual skills, using computer programs.

Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients' needs are met and hospital policy is followed.

Consults with rehabilitation team to select activity programs and coordinates occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.

Designs and creates, or requisitions, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces and computer-aided adaptive equipment.

Ensures that patient changes are accurate and entered on a timely basis.

Maintains records pertinent to the staff and operation of the department.

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.

Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function in stressful situations. Works effectively with others.

Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.

Meets current documentation standards and policies.

Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members.

Provides evaluation of certified staff, including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and termination.

Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate action to remain within budget guidelines.

Ensures that patient charges are accurate and entered on a timely basis.

Functions as a resource for and provides team members with in-service cross-training on physical therapy knowledge and skills areas.

Contributes to the development of improved efficiency and productivity of rehab services such as positive suggestions/solutions, quality improvement, offering to assist team functions, cost-effective provision of services and maintaining equipment.

Performs other duties as assigned.