Speech Language Pathologist Inpatient Acute Care PRN

* Conducts patient assessments.

* Performs a medical record review on all patients prior to the initial intervention which leads to diagnostic classification or referral to another practitioner. This examination includes history, systems review and tests and measurements.

* Performs an evaluation and makes independent clinical judgments based on the data gathered from the examination.

* Synthesizes all of the findings from the history, systems review, and tests and measurements to establish the diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care.

* Considers clinical findings, the extent of loss in cognitive, neurological, communication functions, social considerations, overall physical abilities and health status in determining the complexity of the evaluation process.

* Consider the severity and complexity of the current impairments and the probability of prolonged impairment, functional limitation, and disability; the living environment; potential discharge destinations; and social support.

* Determines a speech / language pathology diagnosis.

* Integrates and evaluates the data obtained through the examination to describe the patient's condition in terms that will guide the speech language pathologist in determining the primary dysfunctions, prognosis, and plan of care and intervention strategies.

* Reviews medical record to determine medical status and appropriate course of treatment intervention,

* Measures and monitors vitals for determination of medical stability for treatment

* Develops a treatment plan for patients

* Considers multiple factors in determining complexity, frequency and duration of the intervention which may include: accessibility and availability of resources; adherence to the intervention program; age; anatomical and physiological changes related to growth and development; caregiver consistency or expertise; chronicity or severity of the current condition; co morbidities, complications or secondary impairments; decline in functional independence; prior level of function; living environment; psychosocial and socioeconomic factors; social support and stability of the condition.

* Determines predicted optimal improvement

* Specifies interventions to be used

* Specifies proposed duration and frequency of the interventions

* Identifies anticipated goals

* Identifies expected outcomes

* Selects, applies or modifies skilled intervention to the patient in accordance with state practice act, insurance guidelines/requirements and accreditation agency requirements

* Uses various speech / language procedures and techniques for:

o auditory comprehension

o reading comprehension

o expression

o Swallowing therapy

o Voice therapy

o Cognitive retraining

o Neuromuscular and thermal facilitation and inhibition

o Augmentative/Adaptive Equipment Instruction

o Produces changes in the condition that are consistent with the diagnosis and prognosis

* Assesses patient response to interventions and determines if interventions need to be changed or care discontinued.

* Demonstrates competency in all procedures within scope of practice, as appropriate to the age of the patient served, and maintains a knowledge of growth and development with an understanding of the range of treatment by diagnosis needed by these patients:

o Adolescent

o Adult

o Geriatric

* Documents in accordance with insurance guidelines/requirements and acceptable practice act standards and posts charges accordingly.

* Documents in medical record, accurately reflecting treatment provided, and utilizing approved format and abbreviations to allow for continuity of care.

* Selects appropriate charge for treatment intervention based on CPT code definition.

* Posts charges accurately via computer to reflect each treatment provided.

* Communicates relevant patient information

* Communicates with Manager/Supervisor and/or physician(s) for direction and clarification when concerns are noted.

* Communicates with nurse regarding patient's pain, medical status, or other concerns to promote effective treatment outcomes.

* Communicates patient's rehabilitation status with other health care professionals to facilitate Tran disciplinary continuity of care and appropriate discharge planning.

* Education, training and in-services:

* Provided to patients and families for adaptive equipment, home exercise program, and diagnosis specific information.

* May be provided to health care professionals for Communication and Dysphasia management and information on the role and profession of Speech / Language Pathology.

* May be provided for clinical instruction and mentoring to internship students. (Applies only to those with at least one year of experience).

Provides speech therapy evaluations and treatments to patients to facilitate and maximize functioning level as prescribed by physician. Includes the identification, prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of patients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function, psychosocial abilities, activities of daily living and health status resulting from injury, diseases or other causes. Adheres to Florida Hospital - East Region performance expectations and performs all defined services and other related duties under regulatory standards and in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of the organization.