Occupational Therapist responsible for the Occupational Therapy evaluation, planning, implementation, treatment and documentation of patient status for patients in St. Mary's Hospital.  Supports Hospital's mission to provide the highest quality care by complying with regulatory guidelines, meeting agency standards, and obtaining appropriate certification.

JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides skilled occupational therapy in accordance with the physician's plan of care. Demonstrates competency in skills required by the facility on at least a bi-annual basis.

2. Assists the physician in the evaluation and assessment of the patient's level of functioning by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures and tests and assists in the development and revision of the plan of care.

3. Designs orthotics as indicated by patient's condition and needs.

4. Treats the patient through the use of therapeutic activities designed to restore function and self-care activities for the purpose of improving function.

5. Observes, records and reports the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition to the physician and/or nursing and other staff involved.

6. Instructs and advises patients, families and other team members on the exercise program designed to increase the patient's strength, control and other phases of Occupational Therapy in which they may assist the patient such as the use of durable medical equipment.

7. Demonstrates and teaches alternate techniques to complete activities of daily living, proper transfers and positioning.

8. Orders and/or fabricates adaptive/assertive devices and equipment.

9. Evaluates, and regularly re-evaluates, the rehabilitation needs of the patient; develops, initiates, implements and revises the patient's plan of care. Assesses the patient's continual care needs. Ensures that the plan of care addresses all problems identified in the assessment or demonstrates rationale for not doing so. Develops patient outcomes and a discharge plan for each patient.

10. Initiates diagnostic, preventive and rehabilitative procedures as appropriate to the patient's care and safety. Makes referrals to other disciplines as indicated by the needs of the patient or documents rationale for not doing so.

11. Coordinates the total plan of care and maintains continuity of patient care by liaising with other health professionals assigned to the same patients. Attends patient care meetings. Initiates patient care meetings for complex and/or multi disciplinary patients whenever needed to ensure good coordination of care.

12. Develops, prepares and maintains individualized patient care progress records with accuracy, timeliness and according to policies. Submits evaluation reports within 48 hours of evaluation session.

13. Participates in in-service programs.

14. Participates in care plan meetings, rounds and family meetings.

15. Completes managed care summaries, patient grids, MDS/care plan and meditech documentation timely and accurately.

16. Embraces the model of patient and family centered care and works in collaboration with parents to develop goals and track progress.

14. Cooperates with appropriate staff to provide staff education when requested and arranged by the Occupational Therapy supervisor.

15. Attends meetings and serves on a variety of patient care and strategic planning committees as assigned by the Supervisor or the Director of Rehabilitation.

16. Participates in the quality improvement program of the facility.

17. Participates in departmental research projects as needed/appropriate.