Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director of Physical Therapy, the Speech Pathologist has the responsibility and accountability for assessing, planning, evaluating and implementing care for the patients assigned. Speech Pathologist is responsible for adhering to all standards of Speech Therapy Practice Act as they apply for providing technical therapy care, supplies, equipment and interventions to a designated patient population.

Per the Departments Scope of Practice, this position requires providing services to Therapy Patients, ages between pediatric to geriatrics in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of the functional/developmental age of the individuals served. This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. The position provides observation, assistance and guidance to Rehabilitative Technicians that are caring for the SLP?s patients. It is expected that the associate demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The associate shall support the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini?s strategic plan and the goals and direction of their Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). 

Responsibilities:

• Assesses the physical, psycho-social, spiritual, cultural, functional, high risk and discharge needs of the patient and family:
  • Completes and documents initial assessment/care within required time frames.
  • Performs, reassessments/care at intervals as required or appropriate to the patient?s needs.
  • Ensures physical assessment/care includes all major body systems.
  • Ensures spiritual assessment/care includes actual/expressed needs.
  • Incorporates cultural and ethnic factors into assessment/care.
  • Establishes long and short-term goals.
  • Timely reporting of weekly progress in interdisciplinary staffing and outcome measures as directed.
  • Assesses swallowing via bedside swallow exam/modified barium swallow
  • Establishes presence of consent/order prior to treatment/procedure.
• Demonstrates the ability to accurately access and document staffing, patient care activities and hospital processes:
  • Uses computer system(s) appropriately.
  • Documents in the medical record according to policy/procedure.
  • Documents daily and weekly progress notes as directed.
  • Turns in charge log within 24 hrs. After treatment.
  • Does daily charges on the computer prior to leaving work each day.
  • Completes documentation of evaluations within 72 hours after admit and discharge summary within 5 days of discharge as directed.
• Obtains knowledge of, and demonstrates compliance with infection control policies and procedures:
  • Practices Standard Precautions in patient care activities.
  • Practices appropriate disease specific isolation as required.
  • Appropriately handles and disposes of sharps.
  • Demonstrates good hand washing.
  • Complies with FOAM IN/FOAM OUT of all patient rooms
  • Complies with fingernail policy.
  • Wears PPE when applicable.
• Provides for the education/training of the patient/family:
  • Identifies and documents patient/family educational needs upon initial assessment and thereafter.
  • Identifies barriers to learning.
  • Provides and documents teaching based on identified needs.
  • Teaches at a level of understanding related to the patient/family member?s level of education.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of instruction provided.
  • Assessment and teaching that incorporates cultural and ethnic factors.
  • Assessment and teaching that incorporates functional needs.
• Oversees patient care on basis of patient classification and staff expertise to ensure quality of care:
  • Initiates assessment of patient within 24 hours of consult or functional screen as directed.
  • Demonstrates empathetic and positive attitude when working with patients.
  • Conducts chart audits for accuracy and adequate documentation as directed.
  • Visits and interviews patient and communicates with families when present or necessary.
  • Re-evaluates and modifies the plan of care, based on the patient?s response to the interventions.
  • Ensures proper orientation of new therapy associates.
  • Ensures competencies and licensure are current.
  • Appropriately coordinated or delegates to technical support.
  • Assists in supervising and monitoring compliance of duties assigned to the techs.
  • Completes MBS, interprets results, and makes recommendations for an appropriate diet.
  • Initiates and implements MBS report. Provides documentation for physician and medical record.
  • Takes appropriate action to address issues.
  • Demonstrates sound clinical judgement in decision-making regarding patient care.
• Provides for the plan for therapy care into the interdisciplinary care and management of the patient/family:
  • Communicates effectively with associates, physicians and allied health team.
  • Coordinates therapy care with other disciplines involved.
  • Provides assessment for swallowing.
  • Coordinates and implements dysphagia program with other disciplines.
  • Communicates with nursing staff any changes in swallowing status and diet recommendations for patients.
  • Actively participates in 50% of departmental in-services and meets with manager for information missed in other meetings as documented on sign in sheet (attendance is for full time associates, relief associates may read the minutes).
• Assures the rights of the patient/family are respected and maintained:
  • Allows for privacy in the provision of care.
  • Identifies self by name and title to patient/family.
  • Utilizes AIDET when interacting with patients.
  • Reports suspected cases of abuse/neglect, if identified.
  • Understands role of, and how to access, the Ethics Committee.
• Demonstrates knowledge of unit specific policies and procedures and the ability to safely and competently use unit specific patient care equipment in the delivery of quality patient care:
  • Completes Unit Specific Annual Competency Checklist.
  • Complies with fingernail policy.
  • Wears PPE when applicable.

Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Master?s Degree in Speech Language Pathology is required

• Vital Stim, FES, MBSIMP, and E-Swallow certifications are preferred

Experience

• English required, bilingual preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Certifications in Vital Stim, FEES, Metronome, Big and Loud are preferred

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications

• Current Louisiana SLP License
• Current BLS
• ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) Certification, after completing the requirements of the clinical fellowship year

Work Schedule:

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time

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About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.

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