Occupational Therapist, Acute Rehabilitation Unit

Role: Occupational Therapist, ACU
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ-85635
Position: Full Time + Benefits

Requirements:

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
Current Occupational Therapy license in state of practice.
Basic Life Support certification.

Nice to Have:

Outpatient, Rehabilitation, or Acute Care Experience.

Responsibilities:

1. Patient Evaluation & Assessment

• Assess physical, cognitive, and emotional status after illness, injury, or surgery.
• Evaluate ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating)
• Identify deficits in strength, coordination, mobility, and cognition.
• Review medical history and collaborate with physicians and nurses.

️ 2. Treatment Planning & Goal Setting

• Develop short-term, functional, and patient-centered goals.
• Create individualized treatment plans focused on recovery and safety.
• Prioritize rapid improvement for discharge readiness.

3. Functional Rehabilitation

• Train patients in ADLs (grooming, toileting, feeding, dressing).
• Improve upper body strength, coordination, and endurance.
• Work on mobility tasks like bed transfers, sitting balance, and basic ambulation.

4. Cognitive & Perceptual Training

• Address memory, attention, problem-solving, and safety awareness.
• Help patients with conditions like stroke, brain injury, or delirium.

⚠️ 5. Safety & Discharge Planning

• Recommend adaptive equipment (e.g., walkers, grab bars, commodes)
• Assess home environment needs for safe discharge.
• Educate patients and families on fall prevention and precautions.

6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech Therapists
  • Case managers
• Participate in discharge planning and care coordination meetings.

7. Patient & Family Education

• Teach safe techniques for daily activities.
• Instruct caregivers on assisting patients properly.
• Provide energy conservation techniques.

8. Early Mobilization

• Initiate movement early (even in ICU settings when possible)
• Prevent complications like muscle wasting, pressure sores, and deconditioning.

9. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely patient records.
• Document progress, goals, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with hospital and insurance guidelines.

10. Use of Adaptive Techniques & Equipment

• Introduce assistive devices for independence.
• Train patients on proper usage.

Key Focus in Acute Care

• Short-term, high-impact interventions.
• Stabilization and functional independence.
• Safe and timely discharge planning.