Recreational Therapist I - Per diem- Rehab Center

Sharp HealthCare•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers therapy modalities prescribed by a licensed physician. Helps patients reach their maximum performance and functioning while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The role also contributes to department operations and performance-improvement activities. The therapist assesses patients, develops and implements treatment plans, evaluates treatment effects, and recommends changes to the physician as needed. The role includes patient and family education, pain assessment and intervention, safe use of therapeutic modalities and equipment, and coordination of care in accordance with hospital policies. The therapist also maintains accurate and timely documentation, participates in department and system activities, and helps maintain an efficient, safe care environment.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited Recreation Therapy Program.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals (AHA BLS Healthcare).
California Department of Motor Vehicles driver's license.
Clean driving record in accordance with the employer DMV pull notice program and Sharp HealthCare Driver Guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in healthcare or a related field.
Previous professional experience in an inpatient, outpatient, or community recreation therapy setting.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Responsibilities

Evaluate, plan, direct, and administer therapy modalities prescribed by a licensed physician.
Assess patients in relation to requested therapy and provide feedback and reassessments as required.
Design and implement treatment plans, evaluate their effects, and recommend changes to physicians as needed.
Assess pain that interferes with function or participation in rehabilitation and provide intervention.
Develop and evaluate teaching plans based on identified learning needs, including family participation when appropriate.
Use therapy modalities, equipment, and procedures safely and demonstrate knowledge of their use.
Coordinate and direct patient care to meet patient needs and follow hospital policy.
Complete timely, legible, accurate documentation, including applicable care plans, education records, billing, and discharge plans.
Maintain records pertinent to departmental operations and comply with professional, organizational, payer, and regulatory documentation requirements.
Participate in departmental activities such as continuous quality improvement, staff meetings, and chart review.
Participate in committees, system-wide activities, customer-satisfaction initiatives, interdisciplinary rounds, staffing, and patient conferences as required.
Communicate patient-care and departmental issues, offer suggestions for operational improvements, and complete additional assignments in a timely manner.
Adapt to changes in schedules and assignments, prioritize work, respond to unscheduled situations, and use time effectively while meeting departmental productivity standards.
Provide unit-specific information to students, float staff, and travelers or registry personnel.
Maintain departmental cleanliness and safety and complete regulatory requirements.
When working as a NICU therapist, attend weekly NICU rounds as required.
Complete a development plan and maintain satisfactory performance.