Speech Pathologist (SLP) - Acute Care (Hospital) at Christus Health summary:
Speech Pathologists in acute care hospitals evaluate and treat patients with cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders. They collaborate with healthcare teams, supervise trainees, and develop individualized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. Their work involves continuous assessment, applying research-based interventions, and ensuring patient safety during therapy.
Description Summary:
As a member of the health care team, evaluates and treats patients with cognitive, communication and swallowing deficits within the scope of a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist. Collaborates with other hospital personnel to ensure quality care for the patient. Supervises the activities of Therapy Technicians, Speech/Language Pathology Clinical Fellows, and Speech/Language Pathology Students.
Responsibilities:
- Gathers pertinent data from chart and other care givers, discusses with physician as necessary
- Independently assess all patient types assigned
- Demonstrates ability to recognize additional needs during evaluation; exercises good judgment in decision
- Interprets results and formulates relevant, measurable, realistic and attainable goals
- Reassess patient progress regularly per department policy, or when need arises
- Identifies appropriate equipment, discusses with patient and family and makes appropriate referral to social services and/or vendor
- Able to assess vent dependent patients with minimal assistance
- Able to assess voice and fluency cases with some assistance
- Able to independently design a treatment plan that address’ identified problems, deficits and discharge needs and assist with reducing LOS
- Consistently delivers effective treatment focused on rehab of communication, cognition and/or swallowing disorders
- Actively seeks out a diagnosis mx to facilitate ability to independently treat throughout the hospital
- Demonstrates skilled expertise when monitoring patients during treatment
- Able to apply reasoning and judgment to skilled observations and reports adverse reactions to physician and/or nursing
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of speaking valve usage and contraindications
- Ensures patient safety
- Offers alternatives to physician when appropriate
- Actively seeks research based treatments and applies to daily treatment
- Develops creative and innovative ways to provide treatment i.e. group sessions, summer speech camps, structured and interactive adult group/individual sessions
Requirements:
- Master's Degree
- SLP License in state of employment
- BLS
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
Keywords:
speech pathologist, acute care, cognitive therapy, communication disorders, swallowing therapy, hospital healthcare, patient evaluation, treatment planning, speech therapy supervision