Occupational Therapist

Job Summary and Responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapist, you will help patients regain independence and quality of life so they can safely perform daily activities.

Every day you will assess diverse patients (orthopedic, neurological, sensory, cancer recovery, etc.), develop treatment plans, and conduct evaluations/re-evaluations. You will be expected to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, document thoroughly, and provide positive, motivating care to a high volume of patients.

To be successful in this role, you must be flexible, adaptable, exceptionally organized, and a personable, motivating team player.

• Clinical/Technical Skills
  
  

  Performs evaluations/re-evaluations, discharge summaries progressing patients toward goals and accurately documents results written/electronically on inpatients according to MHB and Occupational Therapy Practice standards.
  
  
  Performs appropriate treatment which may include, but not limiter to proper use of modalities and therapeutic procedures to maximize functional skills toward independence with activities of daily living. Uses equipment specific to age and size of patient.
  
  
  Maintains a safe environment considering the patient's unique circumstances and risk factors related to age, physical limitations and mental status.
  
  
  Uses office or other Rehab equipment effectively & efficiently.

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  
  

  Selects appropriate treatment methods which include proper modalities and therapeutic procedures.
  
  
  Recognizes patient's concerns of how their medical condition may impact their socioeconomic situation.
  
  
  Initiates appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team as determined by the patients' needs.
  
  
  Involves the patient in care, treatments and procedures as appropriate to condition and situation.
  
  
  Evaluates patient outcomes and adjusts the patient's plan of care appropriately.

• Interpersonal/Communication Skills
  
  

  Maintains accurate written/electronic documentation records of patients evaluated and treated, including, but not limited to Progress Notes, Daily Treatment Logs, Daily Charge Slips etc.
  
  
  Assesses patient's ability to manage self-held and/or self operated equipment.
  
  
  Involves the patient/caregivers in the care/treatment and procedures as appropriate to condition and situation. Explains procedures prior to beginning. Observes care given by patient/caregivers, Provides feedback and further instruction.
  
  
  Provides education to the patient/caregivers that includes: an explanation and rationale for all treatments, tests, equipment and procedures prior to performance, speaking distinctly and in language appropriate to the patient's age and encourages questions, at a pace that insures understanding, topics that are unique to the needs of the patient.
  
  
  Communicates patients needs effectively to the medical/hospital staff and obtains all necessary orders.
  
  
  Participates in in-service and staff development. Assists in orienting and supervising other department personnel, interns or volunteers as assigned.
  
  
  Ensures and or participates in patient satisfaction initiatives including, but not limited to rounding, service recovery and or any other program associated there with.
  
  
  Is aware of and adheres to performance improvement standards at both the departmental and hospital wide level to continue the enhancement and improvement of care within the organization.

• Professional Development
  
  

  Seeks formal and informal opportunities in skills development for self and others.

• Self Initiative
  
  

  Completes work duties and offers assistance with minimual encouragement.
  
  
  Is efficient and timely in the completion of work duties, with appropriate prioritization.

• NICU Clinical Skills
  
  

  Completes evaluations in a timely manner.
  
  
  Performs ongoing assessments determining the effects of handling, positioning.
  
  
  Determines therapeutic strategies that support current level of function and facilitate optimal development.
  
  
  Provides neuro-motor and sensor motor facilitation techniques to facilitate normal motor control, appropriate use of oral, musculature, prevent sensory defensiveness, and increase metabolic efficiency to minimize weight loss.
  
  
  Assists in developing plan for developmental care through discussions with medical staff, nursing staff, families, and discharge planning rounds.
  
  
  Completes Patient/Family education teaching in a interdisciplinary and collaborative process.
  
  
  Attends the weekly NICU team meeting.
  
  
  Communicates and Coordinates with the CCS case manager for referral to a CCS-paneled provider or CCS Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) for the patient that may require therapy after hospital discharge.

Job Requirements
Required

• Entry level accepted.Individuals working in the NICU, one year pediatric experience and
• Occupational Therapist: CA, upon hire and
• Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire

Preferred

• Completed post Graduate education, or posesses certification or CEU's in Acute care, geriatrics, splinting, hand therapy, orthopaedics, pediatrics, NICU & neurology or any other clinically relevant coursework/seminars. and Entry level accepted.Individuals working in the NICU, one year pediatric experience is required.1 year of Hospital based, acute care practice., upon hire

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital is a 229-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including Level II NICU, cancer care, women’s health, and orthopedics. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Downtown & Mercy Hospital Southwest have been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. They are both Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. Mercy Hospital Downtown offers the only inpatient Oncology Unit in Bakersfield while Mercy Hospital Southwest has the only Obstetric Emergency Department in Bakersfield.

One Community. One Mission. One California