Certified Hand Therapist - CommonSpirit Health

CHI St. Joseph Health – College Station/Bryan TX Since 1936 CHI St. Joseph Health has been caring for the communities in Bryan College Station Brenham Hearne Navasota Caldwell Madisonville and Bellville. With the area’s only Level II Trauma Center the first Joint Commission certified Primary Stroke Center and the first accredited Chest Pain Center in the Brazos Valley; CHI St. Joseph Health is a leader in critical care and the largest provider of cardiovascular care in the region. As an integrated healthcare system CHI St. Joseph Health includes a comprehensive network of over 100 employed providers including primary care physicians specialists and advanced practice clinicians. The network includes more than 20 ambulatory clinics featuring primary care a freestanding Emergency Room Express Clinics and imaging and diagnostic services.

The certified hand therapist (CHT) is a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) who possesses specialty certification in the evaluation and treatment of complex upper extremity conditions. The CHT delivers quality therapy services to patients by performing evaluations and developing individual treatment plans and goals to maximize functional outcomes. The CHT implements the treatment program, reassesses treatment results, and actively participates in discharge planning.

The CHT will work directly with the hand surgeon(s) and orthopedic rehabilitation team to support, develop, and implement pre- and post- surgical protocols for hand rehabilitation services. The hand therapist will evaluate and provide treatment for the following, but not limited to, conditions: tendon injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, crush injuries, repetitive motion disorders, lacerations, arthritis, joint replacement, and digit reattachments. Services provided by the CHT will include post-operative management of upper extremities, fabrication of custom orthoses of the upper extremities, joint mobilization, instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, taping techniques, wound and scar management, edema management, work simulation, range of motion, strengthening, and arthritis management. The hand therapist will be proficient and skilled in fabricating and choosing appropriate splints and other adaptive equipment.

The CHT is responsible for maintaining standards of professional and ethical practice following the guidelines of the State of Texas Board of Examiners for Physical/Occupational Therapy. Services are delivered within the framework of an interdisciplinary team approach, including the patient and significant others. These services are delivered in compliance with CommonSpirit Health's mission, ethical standards, and policies and procedures.

Evaluates/assesses patients in a systematic and thorough manner; establishes appropriate treatment plans and goals within specified time frames; administers appropriate treatments to patients; demonstrates knowledge and skill in the use of therapeutic exercise and activities, manual techniques, transfers, activities of daily living, modalities, and rehabilitation equipment.

Instructs and supervises patient care of PT/OT assistants, rehabilitation technicians, and student affiliates in a respectful, courteous and consistent manner.

Maintains timely and accurate medical records; records legibly in patient charts; completes reports in an organized, thorough and timely manner.

Fosters communication with patients and families, other therapists, physicians, nurses, volunteers, and other hospital personnel to achieve goals and establish department support; attends and provides quality input during multidisciplinary rounds and departmental meetings.

Provides patient and family education; includes information on outside resources to meet the patient's specific needs.

Promotes health care outcomes in concert with currently accepted clinical practice guidelines and established clinical pathways. Identifies poor outcomes/data for referral for performance improvement.

Attends department and hospital inservices; actively engages in continuing education and professional development.

Assists with teaching/training of new/current personnel; evaluates clinical competency of peers and provides interdepartmental education, as directed; completes all required training and education.

The job summary and responsibilities listed above are designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed within this job. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor Degree; Major in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or other Therapy related field

Experience: 2-3 years of clinical experience
Licensed by the State of Texas- Physical Therapist / Occupational Therapist

Certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) if incumbent is an Occupational Therapist

Certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission

CPR/BLS Certified

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