Occupational Therapist (PRN)

Schedule: PRN Shift available

Department: Therapy Services, Inpatient Swing Bed 

JOB SUMMARY                                                                                                                                                                

Responsible for the evaluation, planning, directing and administering of occupational therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician.  Administers treatments and physical 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.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                         

• Performs preparatory data gathering necessary to adequately evaluate the patient's needs prior to initial patient contact; reviews patient records; confers with the treating physician; collaborates with nursing staff and other members of the health care team regarding each patient.
• Exhibits accuracy in performing patient evaluations; interprets results within scope of licensure.
• Performs evaluations in a setting appropriate to the patient's disability, age and psychosocial needs. Exhibits respect for the needs of the patient/family.
• Appropriately assesses the needs of the patient in accordance with level of licensure; formulates realistic and appropriate short- and long-term treatment goals. Discusses these goals with the patient/family and other members of the health care team.
• Develops and implements therapy programs specific to each patient in accordance with the prescribed physician treatment. Therapy program is based upon evaluation results.
• Coordinates activities for the Swing Unit patients.
• Demonstrates innovation, skill and efficiency in developing and implementing patient treatment programs. Exhibits ability to design treatment programs for patients with varying degrees/types of disabilities and multiple medical problems.
• Performs treatment programs in accordance with pre-established protocols/procedures, as appropriate, to the provided treatment plan and level of functioning.
• Collaborates with members of the rehabilitation team to develop the most appropriate treatment plan consistent with the needs and level of functioning of each patient.
• Completes a comprehensive written evaluation for the medical record after the initial evaluation has been performed. Documents in clear and concise language, using objective data, in the progress and discharge notes according to departmental and facility standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintains active and supportive communication with the patient/family and members of the health care team, as appropriate, regarding the outcome of evaluation activities, treatment programs, clinical concerns, home care programs and other issues related to the progress of the patient through the therapeutic process.
• Develops innovative home programs individualized to meet the needs of the patient/family. Instructs the patient and family in these programs.
• Initiates consideration of patient discharge on the day of admission to facilitate transition to the home care environment.
• Monitors accurate, current documentation of patient evaluations, progress, discharge status, patient participation and other data elements as defined in departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all patient charges are recorded on the appropriate billing log and forwarded to the Billing Department daily.
• Provides clinical direction to occupational therapy assistants and aides; assigns entire or components of treatment programs to rehabilitation services support staff; performs initial evaluation of the patient prior to assigning patients to assistant or aides.
• Organizes daily work schedule, allowing appropriate amounts of time for preparation and completion of tasks. Coordinates and reassesses schedule with other staff members throughout the work day.
• Develops the work schedule for assistants and aides to ensure maximum departmental efficiency.
• Accurately delegates parts of treatment programs to assistants and aides for overall departmental efficiency; uses supportive personnel to perform duties within their abilities in order to allow the therapist more time to concentrate on patient care as a number one priority. Prioritizes and directs patient care delegating components of treatment progress to assistants and aides.  Maximizes use of support staff to allow for clinical focus by the occupational Therapist.
• Exhibits ability to assemble and maintain