Northern Light Mercy HospitalDepartment: Speech TherapyPosition is located: Mercy Fore RiverWork Type: PRNHours Per Week: VariableWork Schedule: VariableSummary:Under the guidance of the Manager Physical Rehabilitation and Medical Director, the Speech Language Pathologist performs evaluations and plans and implements rehabilitative treatment programs on pediatric through geriatric patients as ordered and approved by physicians. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or Mercy proprietary information, and must handle and protect the information in accordance with hospital and system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position, and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Hospital.Responsibilities:
Patient Assessment – the Speech Language Pathologist will complete an initial evaluation which includes the physical, functional and social needs within 24 hours of IP and three working days of OP. Selects and performs appropriate evaluative methods relevant to the chief complaint and patient history. Recognizes need for potential involvement with other disciplines and seeks to obtain referral from physician. Recognizes inappropriate referral and seeks to have therapy discontinued. Identifies pertinent speech language pathologist problems. Assessment includes rehab potential and discharge planning. Completes re-assessments as changes in the patients condition warrants or upon discharge per department standards. 2. Plan of care – designs a plan of care based on identified therapy problems and individual patient need. Develops appropriate, realistic time based goals for the identified therapy problems. Plan of care is individualized and reflects goals identified by the patient/family. Selects appropriate treatment methods to achieve goals. Participates in multidisciplinary Focus of Care Rounds and/or patient/team conferences to support the plan of care. Modifies the plan of care when needed according to patient response and changing needs. Re-evaluates according to time based goals per department standards. 3. Implementation of treatment interventions – demonstrates ability to rely upon one’s own skills and experiences to carry out appropriate interventions consistent with the plan of care. Demonstrates competency with the implementation of clinical skills and treatment procedures per department skills list. Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment utilizing principles of infection control, patient safety and safe operation of equipment. Notifies physician and/or other health professionals of the patient's progress or changes in condition. Conducts patient/family teaching based upon identified needs. Provides written instructions to patient/family upon discharge. Recognizes when patient has reached optimal benefits and seeks to have the therapy discontinued. Recognizes and assures that discharge planning needs are met. 4. Documentation – documents the initial assessment plan of care progress notes and discharge status in a timely manner which includes: Subjective findings Objective findings Therapy assessment Therapy problem list Goals Plan of care Discharge disposition Daily progress notes Re-evaluation Revised Goals/Plan Patient education Understanding of education Referrals to other disciplines as needed Discharge planning Discharge documentation All documentation to have signature, time and designation of therapist. 5. Job management – demonstrates the ability to manage a typical patient volume during regular work hours. Effectively prioritizes caseload in order to accomplish all necessary tasks within normal working day. Demonstrates ability to maintain the expected level of productivity per the department standards. Accurately completes stats sheets and charges at the end of each day. Delegates appropriate tasks to assistants, aides or volunteers as indicated. 6. Professional practice/leadership – demonstrates responsibility for identifying own learning needs. Participates in the development of others, promoting professional communications and demonstrating leadership qualities. Meets yearly requirements for continuing education per department standard. Attends Department staff meetings (takes responsibility to review minutes when not present). Open to participating in additional tasks for self-growth. Plans and implements self-objectives. Participates in the departments peer review process and any other quality improvement indicators as assigned. Accepts schedule changes and department changes openly - shift priorities to match department priorities. Participates in student program by completing the assigned number of students per year with satisfactory CI evaluation. Volunteers for special projects related to Speech Language Pathology in the department and/or community. Participates in hospital wide committees and/or activities. Expands knowledge and skills to effectively treat patient on any rotation. Is a resource to other staff members in their area of expertise. Provides inservice on any working education course attended during year. Participates in the orientation of new employees. Participates in program development. Actively involved in professional organization. 7. Team skills – works with other members of the healthcare team to achieve positive outcomes; recognizes the interdependence of one another and each person’s unique gifts in the ability to deliver services necessary for excellent health care. Expresses self in a positive manner, which is easily understood by others. Adapts to changes; shows ability to modify behavior in a changing environment. Demonstrates insight of impact own behavior has on others. Seeks the input of group members and participates in group decisions. Demonstrates respect for the opinions and ideas of others. Keeps others informed and up-to-date. Expresses concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. Realizes limitations and seeks assistance when appropriate. Demonstrates accountability and responsibility for actions and is able to accept constructive criticism. Assumes leadership role as appropriate. 8. Performs additional duties as required or assigned.
Competencies and Skills
Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Credentials
Required Speech Pathologist
Education
Required Bachelor's Degree
Working Conditions
Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
Potential exposure to noxious odors.
Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
Prolonged periods of sitting.
Prolonged periods of standing.
Prolonged periods of walking.
Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
Position Speech Language PathologistLocation Req ID null
