Qualifications

Master's Degree in Speech/Language Pathology as appropriate for position; hold ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech/Language Pathology. One (1) year experience required. Licensed in the State of Texas as a Speech/ Language Pathologist; valid State of Texas Drivers License; current CPR, certificate of Clinical Competence.

Knowledge of disease processes and/or disorders related to speech/language pathology, measures to improve or rehabilitate communication skills, measures to improve swallowing, home safety, emergency measures, hospital and departmental policies, basic Medicare and JCAHO regulations, patients' rights, confidential patient care, and ASHA Code of Ethics.

Skilled in evaluation of patient abilities and deficits, developing therapeutic activities to improve patient communication skills, cognitive rehabilitation, and providing treatment for dysphagia.

Ability to establish a plan of care in conjunction with the attending physician, and to the extent possible, the patient and family (updates plan of care). Report to physician significant changes in the patient's condition and provides periodic required progress summaries and re-certifications. Provides discharge planning and making appropriate referrals. Participate in Performance Improvement Plan, participate in staff meetings, in-services and case conferences on patients seen. Establish a home program and teach patient, caregivers and health professionals, as needed, how to follow the program. Respect the dignity and confidentiality of the patient and serve as a patient advocate as necessary. Prepare documentation according to Medicare, JCAHO requirements and departmental policy. Schedule patient visits according to the plan of care. Submit clinical notes.

Job Summary

Provides speech and language evaluations and treatments for patients in the acute care setting, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation to obtain optimal level of communication and/or swallowing.

POSITION STANDARDS:

1. Provide direct patient care according to Hospital policy and procedures.

2. Is knowledgeable of patient history and present plan of care.

3. Informs the team leader whenever significant issues or concerns arise.

4. Develops discharge plan with the physician, patient, family and other available resources; drafts discharge summary.

5. Provide the patient and/or family education about disease processes, home program, and the plan of care to promote an optimal level of wellness.

6. Identifies and properly reports pertinent changes in the patients condition to the physician, nursing staff, team leader, and/or Manager.

7. Maintains knowledge of and is accountable for proper documentation of all care delivered.

8. Documentation reflects knowledge of legal implications including accuracy, clinical pertinence and legibility.

9. Documents ongoing patient assessment, care provided and patient's response in a clear, concise, organized manner according to Hospital/Unit policies.

10. Transcribes and implements physician orders in an accurate and prompt manner.

11. Documents patient/family/care giver's understanding of instructions given.

12. Documents incidents factually and accurately.

13. Participates actively in Departmental Performance Improvement Plan.

14. Provides clinical expertise as needed on Unit and acts as a resource.

15. Confers with other staff members on pertinent issues related to the care of their patients.

DEPARTMENTAL OR UNIT SPECIFIC:

1. Evaluates patients and provides therapy according to Speech Therapist standards of care, hospital and departmental policy.

2. Applies therapeutic principles and practices skillfully and safely progresses patients through levels of treatment within the maximum capabilities of the patient.

3. Establishes short and long term goals and a systematic method to meet identified goals. Establishes goals and treatment in collaboration with the patient and/or family.

4. Assists patient in the relearning of cognitive skills.

5. Instructs patients in measures to improve swallowing as indicated.

6. Demonstrates skill and accuracy in performing patient evaluations.

7. Designs home programs individualized to meet the patients' needs and educates the patient and care givers in these programs.

8. Schedules patient visits according to the patient's plan of care.

9. Demonstrates skill in performing Modified Barium Swallow in coordination with Radiology.