Occupational Therapist

Cleveland Clinic's Martin North Hospital is a renowned healthcare institution located in downtown Stuart, serving the communities of Martin County along the picturesque St. Lucie River. As part of the esteemed Cleveland Clinic health system, this hospital offers top-tier patient care, cutting-edge research, and advanced surgical procedures. Known not only for its outstanding medical services but also for creating a warm and welcoming environment, Martin North Hospital fosters a culture where caregivers are considered family. This facility is dedicated to delivering world-class healthcare while embracing technological innovations and advancing medical research to improve patient outcomes.

The Occupational Therapist position at Martin North Hospital plays a vital role within the rehabilitation team by providing a wide range of therapeutic services to diverse patient populations—from infants to older adults. Occupational therapists assist individuals who have difficulties performing their daily activities due to various conditions such as physical injuries, developmental or emotional disorders, strokes, surgeries, chronic diseases, aging, or congenital disabilities. The primary objective of occupational therapy at this hospital is to help patients maximize their physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities to achieve independence in self-care, work, and leisure activities.

In this role, the occupational therapist will evaluate patients' functional limitations and employ a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to each patient's needs. Treatment plans are developed based on comprehensive assessments, including joint assessments, musculoskeletal functions, sensorimotor skills, and functional work abilities. The therapist will implement and continuously modify these plans to help patients regain or enhance their skills, supporting them in leading independent, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Caregivers in this position work Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with start and end times potentially varying within the standard 8-hour shift. Flexibility is required as the position involves working at least four weekend days over an eight-week period, one premium holiday, and two non-premium holidays. Additionally, therapists need to be adaptable to float among three regional hospitals—Martin North, Martin South, and Tradition—to meet patient care demands.

The role demands proficiency in various occupational therapy techniques, such as passive and progressive range of motion, joint mobilization, massage, myofascial release, desensitization techniques, dressing changes, and job simulation. Therapists will also use thermal and electrical physical agent modalities, including hot and cold packs, fluidotherapy, paraffin and contrast baths, ultrasound, phonophoresis, TENS, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), high-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation (HVPGS), iontophoresis, and biofeedback. Fabrication of custom splints, selection and ordering of adaptive devices and equipment, along with patient training, are essential components of this position.

Effective communication is crucial; occupational therapists must maintain open dialogue with fellow caregivers, patients, and families concerning patient conditions and progress. They are responsible for providing detailed written status reports to referring physicians following patient visits and, for workers' compensation cases, to relevant parties. Occasionally, therapists may assist with clients in the Industrial Service Department, further broadening the scope of patient care and rehabilitation at the hospital.

Overall, the Occupational Therapist position at Martin North Hospital represents an exciting opportunity to join a pioneering healthcare team committed to enhancing patient quality of life through innovative therapy and compassionate care. This role balances clinical excellence and patient-centered service within a supportive and collaborative work environment.