Speech Language Pathologist

Where You’ll Work

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospitals have a history of caring for our community that goes back more than 100 years. We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services including minimally invasive and outpatient options. Our family of services includes the area's only inpatient oncology unit, the Orthopedic, Spine, and Hand Center, Family Birth Center, the Lactation Support Center and retail store, and many others. Mercy Hospital Downtown is a 194-bed facility located in downtown Bakersfield. Mercy Hospital Southwest is a 78-bed facility and the only hospital located in the rapidly growing area west of Highway 99. Mercy Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1910. Learn more here at https://www.dignityhealth.org/central-california/locations/mercy-bakersfield.#bakersfieldRN

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Speech Language Pathologist, you will be a vital clinician, expertly assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders to significantly improve patient quality of life.

Every day, you will conduct comprehensive evaluations for all referred patients, meticulously implementing individualized treatment plans. You'll contribute clinical expertise to develop/upgrade treatment programs/protocols, and actively shape departmental and organizational goals.

To be successful in this role, you will possess advanced clinical knowledge, exceptional diagnostic/therapeutic skills, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Clinical/Technical Skills

• Performs evaluations, re-evaluations and discharge summaries progressing patients toward goals and accurately documents results on inpatients written/electronically according to BMH standards and the California Speech-Language Pathology Practice Act
• Performs appropriate treatment which may include, but not limited to proper use of modalities and therapeutic procedures to maximize functional skills toward independence with swallowing, communication and cognitive skills. Uses equipment specific to age and size of patient
• Obtains all necessary orders from medical staff prior to initiating any treatment
• Continually updates plan of care to best meet the changing needs of the patient. Assures that the patient's therapy goals are incorporated into the plan of care
• Uses all equipment correctly to assist with patient treatment. Chooses and adjusts equipment specific to the size, age and ability of the patient
• Uses proper body mechanics and patient safety techniques during all patient care
• Effectively trains family members and caregivers. Provides feedback and further training
• Maintains a safe environment considering the patient's unique circumstances and risk factors related to age and size of the patient
• Uses office and other Rehab equipment safely, effectively and efficiently
• Follows all National Patient Safety Goals with each and every patient which include but are not limited to hand hygiene-gel in/out, hand-off communication-assuring that the patient's nurse has cleared the patient for treatment and that any pertinent information is relayed back to the nurse using SBAR. Assure timely communication with all other patient caregivers to maximize safe,effective patient care

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

• Carries out appropriate evaluation and treatment methods for each patient
• Reports any change in patient status, medical or functional, to the nurse and other necessary team members
• Recognizes and is sensitive to patient's concerns of how their medical condition may impact their motivation and cooperation with therapy
• Initiates necessary referrals to other members of the health care team as determined by the patient's needs
• Involves the patient in evaluation, care, treatments and procedures related to the patient's condition and situation

Communication Skills

• Maintains accurate and legible written/electronic documentation records of patients evaluated and treated, including, but not limited to Evaluation Paperwork, Progress Notes, Daily Treatment Logs, Daily Charges and all other required documentation
• Uses SBAR/handoff communication when relaying information to all other hospital patient caregivers
• Uses AIDET to communicate with all patients and caregivers/family members
• Provides education and training to patients, family members and caregivers verbally and in writing when needed. Alters communication to match the patient's age and learning abilities
• Communicates patients needs effectively to the medical/hospital staff
• Participates in staff development and departmental/hospital meetings and annual competencies

Job Requirements

Required

• At minimum a graduate degree in SLP., upon hire and
• Speech Language Pathologist: CA, upon hire and
• Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire and (Must be through the American Heart Association)
• Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology, upon hire

Preferred

• Completed post Graduate education and possesses certification or CEU's in Acute care, geriatrics, pediatrics, NICU & neurology or any other clinically relevant coursework/seminars. 1 year of Hospital based, acute care practice, upon hire