Occupational Therapist, Acute Care Hospital
Saint Louis, MO
Access Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Days

Occupational Therapist - Acute Care Hospital (Travel/Contract)

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide occupational therapy services primarily in an inpatient acute care setting.
• Treat diverse patient populations including cardiopulmonary, neurological, orthopedic, medical, trauma, surgical, and oncology patients.
• Establish treatment plans considering discharge needs, expected functional status, and appropriate equipment.
• Educate and collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare providers; make referral recommendations as needed.
• Delegate tasks to assistants and techs based on competency and patient needs.
• Complete documentation per departmental policies.
• May float within therapy service lines to meet facility needs.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (start time flexible up to 8:00 AM).
• Required to work one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) every 4 weeks, with a compensatory day off during that week.
• No on-call requirements.
• Guaranteed minimum of 3 shifts per 13-week contract.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Occupational Therapist license in Missouri (pending state license accepted).
• Minimum 1 year of occupational therapy experience within the last year.
• Experience working with Level 1 Trauma patients in an acute care setting.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Facility & Equipment

• Short-term acute care hospital with 1259 staffed beds.
• Teaching hospital with level 1 trauma designation.
• Charting system: EPIC.
• Special equipment includes vital carts, iPad interpreter, ADL supplies, and facility-specific therapy equipment.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Criminal background check within 6 months, including statewide and nationwide searches.
• Quarterly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks.
• Education verification of highest related degree required before start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start.
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, covering a comprehensive panel, must remain valid throughout assignment.
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within required timeframes.
  • Tdap vaccine or declination.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination/declination as applicable.
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season.
• Fit mask testing annually (N95 respirators required).
• Required facility-specific documents prior to start: HIPAA acknowledgement, latex allergy questionnaire, confidentiality form, regulatory compliance education, TB questionnaire, hand hygiene policy, fingernail policy, dress code policy, and orientation modules.
• Badge photo (head and shoulders, white background, no obstructions, taken within 6 months).

Competency & Certification Exams

• Unit-specific competency exams required annually.
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam as applicable.
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (check unit-specific requirements).

References & History

• Two professional references required (supervisors preferred).
• Employment application and unit-specific skills checklist required within 1 year of start.
• Performance evaluations may be requested but are not mandatory for contract clearance or extensions.

Additional Notes

• No floating to sister facilities.
• No local candidates accepted.
• Role involves working with a variety of patient populations in an acute care hospital setting.
• Must adhere to all facility policies and complete all required training and documentation prior to start.