Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department: Lymphedema Services

Position is located: Mercy Westgate

Work Type: PRN

Hours Per Week: 0.00

Work Schedule: Variable

Summary:

Under the guidance of the department manager and Medical Director, the Lymphedema Therapist is responsible for direct patient service; clinical consultation with clients (and support systems as necessary) having lymphedema, lymphedema related issues, or breast health concerns. The lymphedema specialist may be expected to participate in community outreach initiatives including education of other healthcare practitioners and the general public. The therapist is expected to participate in continuing education within the scope of their profession and lymphedema specialty. The incumbent performs all duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or organizational proprietary information, and must handle and protect the information in accordance with hospital and system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of the Hospital.

Responsibilities:

• The Lymphedema Therapist will complete an initial evaluation/intake which includes the physical, functional and social needs in accordance with established guidelines.

• Selects and performs appropriate evaluative methods relevant to the chief complaint and patient history

• Recognizes need for potential involvement with other disciplines and seeks to obtain referral from physician if needed

• Recognizes inappropriate referral and seeks to have therapy discontinued

• Identifies pertinent problems

• Assessment includes rehab potential and discharge planning

• Completes re-assessments as changes in the patients condition warrants or upon discharge per department standards

• Designs a plan of care based on identified therapy problems and individual patient need

• Chooses appropriate, realistic time based goals for the identified therapy problems. Plan of care is individualized and reflects goals identified by the patient/family

• Selects appropriate treatment methods to achieve goals

• Participates in multidisciplinary communication to support the plan of care

• Modifies the plan of care when needed according to patient response and changing needs

• Re-evaluates according to time based goals per department standards

• Demonstrates ability to rely upon one's own skill and experiences to carry out appropriate interventions consistent with the plan of care.

• Demonstrates competency with the implementation of clinical skills and treatment procedures per department skills list

• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment utilizing principles of infection control, patient safety and safe operation of equipment

• Notifies physician and/or other health professionals of the patient's progress or changes in condition

• Conducts patient/family teaching based upon identified needs

• Provides written instructions to patient/family upon discharge

• Recognizes when patient has reached optimal benefits and seeks to have the therapy discontinued

• Recognizes and assures that discharge planning needs are met

• Demonstrates ability to maintain the expected level of productivity per the department standards

• Accurately completes daily notes and charges at the end of each day

• Takes care of tasks including garment discrepancies/billing in a reasonable amount of time.

• Delegates appropriate tasks to secretary or volunteers in a timely fashion (large projects 4-5 days as best able)

• Participates in keeping the work area clean and organized

• Prioritizes patient care, however considers fiscal responsibility to the patient and facility.

• Documents the initial assessment, plan of care, progress notes and discharge status in a timely manner (no longer than 4 working days from when it is in the therapists hands) which may include the following: Subjective findings; Objective findings; Therapy assessment; Therapy problem list; Goals; Plan of care; Discharge disposition; Daily progress notes; Re-evaluation; Revised Goals/Plan; Patient education; Understanding of education; Referrals to other disciplines as needed; Discharge planning; Discharge documentation; All documentation to have signature, and designation of therapist

• Works with other members of the healthcare team to achieve positive outcomes; recognizes the interdependence of one another and each person's unique gifts in the ability to deliver services necessary for excellent health care.

• Expresses self in a positive manner, which is easily understood by others.

• Adapts to changes; shows ability to modify behavior in a changing environment.

• Demonstrates insight of impact own behavior has on others

• Seeks the input of group members and participates in group decisions

• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and ideas of others

• Keeps others informed and up-to-date

• Expresses concerns in a timely and appropriate manner

• Realizes limitations and seeks assistance when appropriate

• Demonstrates accountability and responsibility for actions and is able to accept constructive criticism

• Assumes leadership role as appropriate

• Assists colleagues as able when appropriate

• Demonstrates responsibility for identifying own learning needs.

• Participates in the development of others, promoting professional communications and demonstrating leadership qualities.

• Meets yearly requirements for continuing education per department /discipline standard

• Attends Department staff meetings (takes responsibility to review minutes when not present).

• Open to participating in additional tasks for self-growth.

• Plan and implement self objectives

• Participates in the departments quality improvement indicators as assigned

• Accepts schedule changes and department changes openly - shift priorities to match department priorities (may include census variations)

• Participates in education and promotion of our field which may include having someone shadow, or an interview

• Volunteers for special projects related to Lymphedema Therapy in the department and/or community

• Participates in hospital-wide committees and/or activities as asked

• Expands knowledge and skills to effectively treat a variety of patient conditions Is a resource to other staff members in their area of expertise

• Provides in-service on any working education course attended during year if asked

• Participates in the orientation of new employees

• Participates in program development

• Performs additional duties as required or assigned.

Other Information:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education enabling State of Maine license as an Occupational Therapist and registration with the State of Maine Board of Examiners is required. Lymphedema Certification in Complete Decongestive Therapy is required from a program of 135 hours of training. One (1) year of clinical experience in direct patient care is required.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.

• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.

• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.

• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Credentials

• Required Occupational Therapist

Education

• Required Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience

• 1 year/years of Clinical Experience

Working Conditions

• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.

• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.

• Prolonged periods of sitting.

• Prolonged periods of walking.

Position Lymphedema Specialist/OTLocation Req ID null