POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides Occupational Therapy services to patients and clients including assessment, treatment, program planning and implementation, related documentation and communication. The Occupational Therapist I pursues experiences that service to establish a basis upon which to practice. It is expected that the OT-I will provide safe care with supervision and guidance from experienced OTs. The OT-I is new to occupational therapy, or new to a specialty. The OT-I incorporates theoretical knowledge into clinical situations and is able to perform basic skills and carry out a plan of care. The OT-I can identify abnormal findings, but may seek consultation for solutions. The therapist�s practice is primarily guided by referencing policies, procedures and standards.

POSITION DUTIES:

Perform a skilled evaluation through impairment testing with interpretation of the findings that relate to functional deficits.
Develop treatment plans relevant to clinical findings that provide individualized treatment for patient level of care and length of stay and that relate to established goals.
Document evaluations, treatment plans, and goals that relate to clinical findings.
Reassess patient�s functional needs and adjust care plan as indicated, including documentation of status change.
Provide assessments and treatment such as relates to: Upper Extremity Management: Sensation, Strength/Tone, Range of Motion, Coordination, Edema Control, Desensitization, Psychological Components, Activities of Daily Living, Cognition, Visual Perception, Vocational/Avocational, Patient/Family Education, Functional Mobility, and Body Systems (i.e. musculoskeletal, nervous, integumentary, and cardiovascular.
Provide therapy modalities such as: Iontophoresis, Ultrasound, Fluidotherapy, Contrast Bath, Paraffin, Ice Massage, TENS, Hot/Cold Packs, Electrical Stimulation, and Compression.
Demonstrate and instruct patient/caregiver on body mechanics.
Maintain skills required to use and care for equipment such as: Pulse Oximeter, Blood Pressure Cuff/Pulse, Patient Beds, Floor Lifts, Exercise Equipment, Adaptive Equipment and Wheelchairs.
Identify contraindications for patient. Follow precautions for WB, Cardiac, Contact, spinal precautions, and precautions with total joint replacements.
Demonstrate knowledge of inpatient lab values, diagnostic tests, medications, FIM scale/ PAI scoring and the impact on patient.
Counsel patient and family regarding treatments and modalities and home programs
Actively participate in interdisciplinary team processes, including collaboration with physicians, vendors, other disciplines, inclusive of discharge planning.
Guide the practice of support staff to achieve patient and departmental goals.