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

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

Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation
Setting: Acute Care

Job Description

• Provide care using independent judgment and evidence-based practice to assess and treat various diagnoses in an acute care setting.
• Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies.
• 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: 50 patients
• Visits per Day: 8
• Weekend Shifts: Varies; anticipate approximately one weekend per month
• Patient Ratio: 1:1

Requirements

• Licensure:

  • CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology)
  • Maryland State License
• Experience: Minimum 2 years in acute care
• Certifications Preferred: FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
• Skills: Acute Care experience required
• Professional Membership: ASHA preferred
• Dress Code: Scrubs in Caribbean Blue or Lavender
• Travel: Not a first-time traveler; 2 return-to-office requests allowed

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Proof of identity and eligibility to work (I9, Driver’s License/State ID)
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• State-specific fingerprinting for school placements (Maryland CJIS/DSS/FBI)
• Verification of licensure and certifications (including NURSYS verification)
• Required certifications (as applicable):

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
  • TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
  • NIH Stroke Certification (AHA or APEX)
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology competency as applicable
• Physical exam within 1 year of start date
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (specific mask types preferred)
• Immunizations and titers:

  • Tdap within 10 years
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B (proof of vaccination, positive titer, or declination)
  • Varicella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory, no declinations accepted)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 1 year of start date
• Proof of 2 clinical references
• Skills checklist and performance evaluations as applicable

Additional Notes

• Candidates must maintain all required documentation current throughout the contract.
• Some certifications and requirements may be completed onsite if needed.
• Fingerprinting and certain background checks are required for school placements only.
• Candidates must be prepared to comply with all health and safety protocols.

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