Speech and Language Pathologist

Job Description

Park Nicollet Health Services

Position Title:

2FB, N2FB Speech and Language Pathologist Patient Care

2BEB Speech and Language Pathologist Development

2DC Speech and Language Pathologist Sr

2BEH Speech and Language Pathologist Development Certified

Location:

Park Nicollet Health Services

Department:

Speech Pathology

Written by:

N. Speier, Director

Supervisor's Title:

Supervisor or Manager, Speech and Language Pathology

Final Approval (Dir. or VP Level):

N. Speier, Director of Rehab -PNHS

Date Approved:

January 2003

Date Revised:

January 2020, Sept 2020

Statement ofEmployee Conduct:

Asa team member, you will support the mission, vision, and values ofPark Nicollet Health Services and will be familiar with and abide byall PNHS policies and procedures. You will also be expected tocomply with job-specific standards and embody the competencies ofHead + Heart, Together which include; 1) achieving positive outcomesand goals; 2) demonstrating care for others and having theirwell-being at heart; and 3) succeeding through partnerships and as amember of a team

HealthPartnersand its related organizations are committed to fulfilling theirmission, vision and values in an environment that promotes thehighest organizational and personal integrity and reinforces publictrust. In order to accomplish these goals, HealthPartners mustmaintain an effective program of compliance and ethics that has beendeveloped with input from, and is championed at, the highest levelsof the organization.

PositionSummary:

TheSpeech Pathologist is responsible for assuring that the PNHS valuesof Head + Heart, Together, are achieved through daily departmentaloperations. This includes, but is not limited to, direct patientcare, professional growth and development, outcome/competencyassessment, compliance with regulatory standards (JCAHO, OSHA,professional organizations, and other regulatory agencies); andparticipating in process improvements to advance patient careoutcomes and satisfaction.

TheRehabilitation Services Speech Pathologist will communicate timely,clearly and in a professional manner with staff, patients, patientfamily members, physicians and other internal/external customers. The staff member will demonstrate skills in listening, conflictmanagement, system problem solving, decision-making and processimprovement. Therapists will practice in compliance withprofessional standards and professional code of ethics.

Therapistsin the development track will partner with their leader(s) to discussways in which the therapist can improve departmental performancethrough activities involving community events, presentations, andprogram/department improvement initiatives.The therapist will be given protected time to execute theseactivities.

Positionsmay require some weekend and holiday shifts as determined.

Tasksand Responsibilities:

• Uses and applies current information and technical knowledge in providing high quality direct and indirect patient care, including: evaluation and treatment of patients, development and implementation of care plans, and outcome reporting.
  
• Works with team members to support a holistic approach to treatment techniques, goals and discharge planning
  
• Is personally committed to and actively works to improve professionally and personally by pursuing a professional development plan.
  
• Maintains proficiency with job related tasks, including but not limited to, use of equipment and tools, accurate and timely documentation of clinically appropriate and fiscally responsible treatment plan and completion of billing requirements
  
• Consistently works in a safe manner, in compliance with infection control policies, maintaining awareness of potential dangers and works to reduce risks on the job.
  
• Maintains compliance with regulatory agencies and immediately implements corrective action when deficiencies are noted.
  
• Participates in scheduling for optimal client service, safety, access and productivity; meets designated production expectations.
  
• Participates in peer reviews of patient care and documentation to meet standards of care
  
• Participates in basic department development expectations: a volunteer event, a local level presentation and program, project or committee participation
  
• Utilizes protected time and advanced certifications (if applicable) to assist department and organization in meeting strategic initiatives and operational goals

• Supports advancement of profession by providing and monitoring student internships/field work experiences.

• Demonstrates knowledge of age related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients.

• Other duties as assigned

Scopeof Responsibility:

TheSpeech Pathologist is expected to be involved in direct and indirectpatient care related activities as directed by their leader. Thetherapist will practice in compliance with professional standards andethics, Park Nicollet Health Services policies and state and federalregulatory agencies. Departments that offer rehab services includeMethodist Hospital, Outpatient Clinics, Struthers Parkinson'sCenter, and the Alexander Center.

Supervision/WorkDirection:

TheSpeech Pathologist makes clinical decisions regarding the appropriatemanagement of patients under his/her care. He/she delegatesappropriate portions of patient treatment to therapy assistants andor aides and is responsible for supervising assistants, aides,volunteers and students.

Internal/ExternalContacts:

Customersinclude patients and their family members/ caregivers, physicians,health insurance representatives and other health care professionals.

Education/Experience:

Speech Pathologist,
Patient Care

Speech Pathologist,
Development

Speech Pathologist
Development

Certification

, Master's, or Doctorate degree Speech Language Pathology (Communication Disorders)

Recommend experience as a Speech Pathologist preferably in a medical setting.

Master's, or Doctorate degree Speech Language Pathology (Communication Disorders)

Recommend experience as a Speech Pathologist preferably in a medical setting.

Master's, or Doctorate degree Speech Language Pathology (Communication Disorders)

Emphasis in a specific area of clinical expertise.

SpecialKnowledge/Skills/Certification/Licenses:

1. Licensed with the Minnesota Department of Health
   
2. Required membership in professional organization American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and recommended membership in state organization Minnesota Speech and Hearing Association (MSHA) or nine months to require from date of hire.
   
3. Individuals are responsible for the travel arrangements required to meet the expectations of the position.
   
4. For the Development and Development Certification tracks individuals will exhibit leadership qualities and serve as a professional role model within the clinic demonstrating excellent communication skills, strong drive for results, motivation of others and a high degree of integrity and trust.
   
5. For development certification individuals must meet the components under option B:

OptionA:

• Pass Board recognized certification exam, CHT exam, or CWS exam. Must maintain certification to remain in Certification Job Family.

OptionB:

• Certification requires a professional degree. If non-professionals are allowed to achieve the certification, there must be sufficient evidence of additional training required before being able to achieve the certification.
  
• Minimum of 100 total CE course hours to achieve the certification. May include multiple courses if required for that certification.
  
• Includes a written exam which must be scored in a pass/fail manner.
  
• Minimum of 100 self-study hours with documentation of how those study hours were completed.
  
• Evidence of a minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area, 25% of which must have occurred within the last 3 years.
  
• Re-certification exam requirement to maintain certification.

Ifno re-certification exam available, but re-certification requirementsexist, these must be submitted to the Rehab Leadership team forapproval.

Ifno re-certification exam or re-certification requirements exist, thefollowing requirements must be met to remain in the Certification JobFamily (specific activities must be submitted to the Rehab Leadershipteam for pre-approval):

• Complete one continuing education activity from Group I OR two activities from Group II within a 5 year period from completing certification, or from last re-certification period.
  
  • Group I (Only 1 needed)
    
    • Be actively enrolled in, or Graduate from an AAOMPT credentialed Fellowship Program
      
    • Be actively enrolled in, or Graduate from an APTA or AOTA credentialed Residency Program
      
    • Pass a specialty board certification exam in any area
  • Group II (Minimum of 2 needed; must be from different categories)
    
    • Attend a continuing education course in your specialty that was NOT required for your certification (minimum of a 16 hour course). You may take two courses in your specialty area to satisfy the 16 hour minimum requirement.
      
    • Publish an article (or be listed as co-author) in a peer-reviewed journal, author a chapter in a published book, or edit a multiple-author published book in your specialty area.
      
    • Teach a pre-approved college level course related to your specialty area.
      
    • Teach a pre-approved educational/CE course in your specialty area.

Machines/Equipment/SoftwareUtilized:

Proficientwith communication and data processing equipment. Proficient inclinical apparatus related to area of expertise. Proficient inorganization electronic medical record software.

CriticalJob Demands

Section1: Place an "X' next toONEof the terms that best describes the frequency for each of theCritical Demands.

Critical Demands

N/A

0%

Rare

1-5%

(Up to

a 1/2 hour)

Occa

6-33%

(1/2 hour

to

3 hours)

Freq

34-66%

(3 to

5½ hours)

Cont

67-100%

(5½ to

8 hours)

Standing - Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about.

X

Walking - Moving about on foot.

X

Sitting - Remaining in a seated position.

X

Squatting - Assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent.

X

Reaching - Stretching out or extending to touch or grasp.

X

Lifting - Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling).

X

Carrying - Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder.

X

Pushing/Pulling - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away/towards from the force.

X

Handling/Fingering - (includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping, and pinching)

X

Section2: Place an "X" next toONEof the terms that best describes the StrengthRating for this jobclassification whichisexpressed by one of five terms: Sedentary,Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy.

SedentaryWork- Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally:activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or anegligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity orcondition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push,pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentarywork involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking orstanding for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking andstanding are required only occasionally and all other sedentarycriteria are met.

LightWork- Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of forceconstantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more ofthe time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excessof those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may beonly a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) whenit requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) whenit requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/orpulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requiresworking at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushingand/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materialsis negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining aproduction rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be andis physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of forceexerted is negligible.

X Medium Work- Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demandrequirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

HeavyWork- Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of forceconstantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are inexcess of those for Medium Work.

VeryHeavy Work- Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or inexcess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demandrequirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.

Note:During any patient handling task, if any caregiver is required tolift more than 35 lbs. of a patient's weight, assistive transferdevices should be used for the transfer.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Job Code (Required): 2FB

Job Description: Speech and Language Pathologist Patient Care
I certify that I performed this assessment for the job listed above based on the hazards present on this date.

Name: Nancy Speier Date: 1/26/2012
Annually review form and revise as appropriate. Reviewed on:
RELATED TO: Hazardous Substances and Harmful Physical Agents
Yes
No

Task Description

Potential

Hazard

Hazard control

PPE Required

(Double click on box to check)

X

Working with box cutters, knives or other sharp cutting devices such as cast cutters.

Penetration

• Cut away from body.
  
• Use proper tool for the job.

Safety knife or safety box cutter

Cut resistant gloves

Other ___________________

X

Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics (Examples: reprocessing, cleaners, disinfectants,).

See Park Nicollet MSDS online database for chemical list

Chemicals

Flammables

Toxic Gases

Corrosives

• Use only PNHS approved products.
  
• Use appropriate soaking containers with labels.
  
• Understand hazards of chemicals you use (read MSDS).

Goggles if splash risk

Chemical face shield as appropriate

Chemical resistant gloves

Closed toe shoes

Chemical resistant aprons

Lab Coat

Powered Air Purifying Respirator

Other ___________________

X

Exposed to extreme heat (Examples: Hot packs, OT Oven, Blanket warmers,) or cold (Winter temperatures for Home Care or Home Evaluations).

Heat

Cold Stress, Burns, Frostbite

• Approach hot surfaces carefully.

Heat resistant gloves or use tongs

Cryogenic (cold resistant) gloves

Goggles

Face shield

Other ___________________

X

Driving or riding in motorized vehicle equipment as part of the job for Home Care/ Home Evaluations.

Vehicle crash, Impact

• Absolutely no text messaging while driving.
  
• Refrain from cell phone use while driving.

Seat belt

Other ___________________

X

Working in extremely wet or slippery conditions or working in 24/7 operations where floors are wet from mopping.

Slip, Trip, or Fall

• For wet areas, mop excess water regularly.
  
• Place warning signs.
  
• Select footwear carefully

Slip resistant shoes

Rubber boots

Other ___________________

X

Preparing or handling hazardous drugs (Examples: cytotoxic drugs, chemotherapy agents).

Chemical

Genetic damage

Tumors

• Receive training
  
• PPE
  
• Use of biological cabinet
  
• Spill procedures
  
• Waste disposal SOP

Gloves appropriate for chemical

Disposable barrier gown

Goggles

N95/PAPR (spill cleanup)

Ventilation Hood

Other ___________________

X

Medical/surgical procedures involving heat generating tools or equipment (Examples: cautery/ lasers).

Light radiation, burns to self or patient, smoke inhalation

• Receive laser training.
  
• Awareness and knowledge to minimize surgical or procedural fires.
  
• Code Red training
  
• PPE
  
• Restricted access

Specialized laser safety glasses

Other ___________________

X

Working with or near ionizing Radiation Hazards (Examples: Radioactive sources, X-Rays for Speech Video-swallows)

Over exposure, Genetic damage

• Warning signage
  
• PPE
  
• Waste and spill procedures
  
• Personal monitoring
  
• Shielding, distance

Lead Aprons

Other-RAD Badge

X

Working near MRI.

Trauma resulting from missile effect

• Restrict access
  
• Screening
  
• Signage

X

Moving equipment/supplies and patients.

Strain, Sprain

• Proper body mechanics
  
• Get additional help
  
• Get Ergonomic help from EOHS.
  
• Utilize proper lift equipment

Use tools or proper equipment specific to task (transfer belt, lift equipment)

X

Dealing with agitated persons or disturbances.

Workplace violence, bodily injury, body fluid exposure

• Training in verbal de-escalation techniques.
  
• Code Green procedure

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown or fluid resistant Lab Coat

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Yes
No

Task Description

Potential Hazard

Hazard control

PPE Required

(Double click on box to check)
RELATED TO: Maintenance or Engineering Type Activities

X

Tasks involving common electrical equipment.

Burns, electric shock

• Inspection of plugs
  
• Work orders for malfunctioning equipment

X

Working on or near energized parts/wires or on electrical circuits.

Electrical Shock

• Training
  
• PPE
  
• Guards in place

Electrical protective equipment

Insulating blankets, matting or covers

Hard Hat

Insulated gloves

Rubber sleeves

X

Welding, brazing, or soldering.

Light radiation, Burns,

Inhalation -hazardous byproducts

• Training
  
• PPE
  
• Guards in place

Local ventilation

Welders helmet

Safety glasses w/ side shields

Hand/skin/body protection

Foot protection

Other ___________________

X

Cutting or grinding.

Impact

• Training
  
• PPE
  
• Guards in place

Safety glasses with side shields

Face shield

Gloves

Other ___________________

X

Sheet rocking or painting.

Chemical

Dust

• Training
  
• PPE

Goggles

Half mask respirator (only fit tested employees to wear a respirator. Contact EOHS if need fit testing)

Gloves

X

Working in construction areas or material handling jobs where there could be falling objects.

Impact

• Training
  
• PPE

Head protection

Steel toed shoes

Other ___________________

X

Working at elevated levels (Examples: Ladders, man lift, scaffolding, catwalks).

Fall

• Training
  
• PPE

Fall arrest system

Hard Hat

Other ___________________

X

Working with liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids (Examples: battery servicing, boiler treatments, and pesticide applications).

Chemical

• Training
  
• PPE

Goggles

Chemical face shield

Gloves appropriate for Chemical Apron

Other ___________________

X

Working with power equipment like lawn mowers or chain saws.

Compression

Noise

Cuts

• Training
  
• PPE

Safety glasses w/ side shields

Hearing protection

Other ___________________

X

Exposure to noise hazards (Examples: Boiler Room, Lawn Mowing, Chainsaw).

Noise

• Training
  
• PPE
  
• Audiometric testing

Hearing protections. (See PNHS Hearing Conservation program for more details)

X

Tasks involving confined space.

Entrapment, exposure to gases, asphyxiation, collapse

• Confined space permit training
  
• Air monitoring
  
• Rescue plan

Hard Hat

Other ___________________

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) RELATED TO:

INFECTIOUS AGENTS

Yes
No

Description

Potential Hazard

Hazard control

PPE Required

PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE TASKS:

X

Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to face: examples but not all inclusive: suctioning, wound irrigation, eye & ear irrigation, close contact (within 3 ft.) of patient with frequent, productive cough.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
  
• PPE

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield)

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

X

Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to the face & clothing, examples, but not all inclusive: pulsed lavage wound care
Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
  
• PPE

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

Splash guard shield for pulsed lavage

X

Activity that requires touching patient's non-intact skin or mucous membranes. (Examples, but not all inclusive Strobes, handling trachs, treatment of swallowing disorders)

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
  
• PPE

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate contact

Facial protection if anticipate splash

X

Activity that includes touching patient's blood/body fluid or contaminated items or environment, examples, but not all inclusive: disposal of urine, blood canisters, wound dressings, removal of drains or packing, CPR.
Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
  
• Use of Spill kits
  
• PPE

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

Resuscitation Mask

X

Performing duties with sharp devices that could result in exposure to blood or body fluids (examples include blood glucose testing, wound debridement)
Exposure to Infectious Agent/sharp injury

• Use of sharps safety devices
  
• Proper disposal of sharps at point of care
  
• Use neutral zone for passing sharps
  
• PPE
  
• Avoid re-capping needles

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash

Gloves (Clean vs. Sterile depends on the procedure)

X

Entering rooms where patients with airborne diseases are treated. (Therapists, Care Techs only)

Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

• N95 respirator,PAPR
  
• Treat patient in airborne infection isolation room
  
• Limit entry into room
  
• PPE

Follow Communicable Disease Guidelines and Tuberculosis Control Plan to determine if N95 respirator, PAPR, or surgical mask is needed

X

Work with specimens from patients with airborne diseases.
Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

• Local ventilation
  
• PPE

N95 respirator or PAPR

PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE PROCEDURES:

X

1. Procedures that enter deep tissue or body fluid, including but not limited to:

Wound care debridement by therapists and nurse practitioner, injections by nurse/ nurse practitioner

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedures
  
• PPE

Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures as needed)

Gloves (clean)

Barrier Gown as needed

X

2. a. Procedures that enter

subcutaneous tissue or are located

in the skin structure such wound debridement

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedure
  
• PPE

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

Gloves (clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

X

2. b. Additional Procedures

• Biopsy - wound care NP

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedure
  
• PPE

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

X

3. Handling Lab specimens in a laboratory

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene after removing gloves

Lab Coat ( fluid resistant)

Gloves (Clean)

Other tasks with identified safety, health or infectious hazards requiring PPE?
Yes
No
Task Description

Hazard

Hazard control

List PPE required

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