Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist
Hagerstown, Maryland
Meritus Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Speech-Language Pathologist (Travel/Contract)

Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Provide care for patients in an acute care setting using independent judgment and evidence-based practice.
• Assess and treat various diagnoses.
• Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education.
• Participate in departmental programs, activities, and initiatives.
• May supervise students when available.
• Adhere to ethical principles of practice as outlined by professional code of ethics.
• Coordinate care with other disciplines as appropriate.
• Follow department processes including productivity standards and prioritization of care.

Workload & Schedule

• Average Daily Census: 28 patients
• Visits per Day: 8
• Weekend shifts: Approximately one weekend per month (varies based on need)
• Patient Ratio: 1:1
• First Time Traveler: No
• Return to Office Requests: 2
• Scrubs: Caribbean Blue or Lavender

Required Qualifications

• Certification: CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)
• Maryland State License
• Minimum 2 years of experience in acute care
• Required Skills: Acute Care

Preferred Qualifications

• FEES certification (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
• ASHA membership or certification preferred

Required Certifications & Compliance

• BLS (Basic Life Support) required for all positions
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) may be required depending on unit
• Other certifications may be required based on specific unit assignments (e.g., PALS, NRP, TNCC)
• State license verification and NURSYS verification as applicable
• NIH Stroke Certification required for most units (except Pediatrics, OB, L&D)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask test within 1 year of start (must be updated annually)
• Tdap vaccine within 10 years of start
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start
• Proof of immunity or vaccination for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis B
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 1 year of start
• Seasonal flu vaccination required (no declinations accepted)

Background & Documentation Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
• Annual EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Fingerprinting required for school placements only (must be completed in Maryland)
• Proof of 2 clinical references
• Performance evaluation if previously worked with the system over 1 year
• Skills checklist updated annually as applicable

Additional Notes

• Candidates must adhere to all departmental and facility-specific policies.
• Coordination with other healthcare disciplines is essential.
• Ethical practice and maintaining clinical competency are critical components of the role.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic acute care environment with a supportive team and a focus on evidence-based patient care.