Occupational Therapist - NICU

Department Overview

This position is open to a Occupational Therapist. The purpose of this job/position is to function as a

member of the Rehabilitation Services patient care team by providing developmental therapy evaluation

and treatment for our neonatal population. Treatment includes therapy services such as neonatal/infant

massage and manual therapy, NDT, non-pharmacological pain management, family/caregiver education,

and various other physical modalities to promote gross and fine motor development, improve breathing

mechanics, and assist patients in improving strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility. The neonatal

therapist in this position would be expected to serve clients in multiple areas of Doernbecher Children’s

Hospital, including the Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric ICU, Pediatric

Medical/Surgical wards, and outpatient follow-up services.

 

Therapists evaluate each patient referred, establish treatment goals/objectives, develop a treatment plan

and implement the plan. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns and students, assist with

other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital

standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shifts.

Function/Duties of Position

PROVIDES A SAFE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

• Ensures the safety and welfare of patients and fellow employees
• Utilizes proper posture, sound body mechanics and principles for safe patient handling
• Considers the needs of patients, employees, medical staff, volunteers, vendors and members of the community in an informative, courteous and compassionate manner
• Maintains general good physical and mental health and self-care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and others in the hospital / clinical setting.

SERVICE

• Demonstrates excellent customer service and communication skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to- face situations
• Uses I CARE for introduction and closing
• Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional/behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff 
• Addresses, complaints and problems promptly and courteously, involving management when indicated
• Communicates with patients/families, other health care team members, in a time and cost efficient, courteous manner.

PROVIDES SKILLED REHABILITATION TREATMENT

• Prioritize care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
• Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
• Monitors and adjusts treatment plan specific to patient progress.
• Facilitates routine patient activity plans with nursing and other caregivers
• Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patient’s condition and situation warrant
• Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for COTA’s, Aides and volunteers
• Develops and enhances patient care program and patient outcomes in specialty area
• Documents treatment and other patient contacts in patient's medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR’s and third-party payer criteria

Required Qualifications

• Completion of an occupational therapy educational program that is recognized by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board

• Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first

• Limited Permit or Oregon occupational therapy license must be obtained at the time of appointment.

• Experience in Pediatric Acute Rehab

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate of OT
• Experience in Level IV NICU, Pediatric Acute Rehab, and Pediatric Outpatient
• Experience with patient/clients aged 0-15 years.
• NICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit coursework or rotation
• NICU Specialty Certificate

Additional Details

Routine inpatient hospital environment