Dona Tucker
Summary
Skilled Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with exceptional experience for evaluation and treatment of orthopedic hand and upper extremity injuries and custom orthosis fabrication. Knowledgeable and confident in communication with referring physicians and/or their team members to facilitate optimal patient outcomes. High value placed on continued professional development and life long learning.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Hand Therapist
Kaweah Hand Therapy
05.2021 - Current
- Evaluated patient conditions, histories and goals.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Interpreted results and proposed intervention plans, including short and long-range goals, frequency and duration.
- Used Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to chart patients' progress and update departmental records with data according to healthcare documentation regulation.
- Administered therapeutic treatments including fluidotherapy, ultrasound, hot/cold packs, and electrical stimulation to ease patients' pain and facilitate healing of injuries.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to all customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Delivered exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Amtrace
COVID Investigator
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Investigation of persons who had contracted COVID, those exposed, and business exposure.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Coordinated tracking efforts with local health authorities .
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
Hand Therapist
Mountain States Hand, Physical And Speech Therapy
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Evaluated and fabricated custom splints to provide optimal support for healing tissues while facilitating functional use of the affected extremity.
- Optimized clinic schedule management by coordinating appointments efficiently based on priority levels or physician referrals.
- Consistently documented patient progress, effectively communicating results to physicians for continuity of care.
- Implemented therapeutic activities aimed at improving fine motor skills, dexterity, coordination, and overall hand function.
- Developed trusting relationships with patients establishing a supportive environment conducive to successful rehabilitation outcomes.
- Reduced pain and discomfort through the application of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing one-on-one care and focused attention to individual needs.
- Mentored student therapists during clinical rotations, fostering professional growth within the field of hand therapy.
Hand Therapist
Hand To Hand Therapy
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Developed trusting relationships with patients establishing a supportive environment conducive to successful rehabilitation outcomes.
- Facilitated patient independence with adaptive equipment recommendations tailored to their unique needs.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings for holistic patient care planning incorporating input from various healthcare disciplines.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing one-on-one care and focused attention to individual needs.
- Utilized detailed anatomical knowledge facilitating accurate diagnosis of complex upper extremity conditions guiding effective interventions.
- Promoted evidence-based practice by integrating current research findings into treatment strategies ensuring high-quality care delivery.
- Mentored student therapists during clinical rotations, fostering professional growth within the field of hand therapy.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals for optimal patient outcomes in hand function and mobility restoration.
- Educated families and patients on proper body mechanics and self-care practices to improve long-term outcomes.
Occupational Evaluator
Occupational Resources Inc.
10.2016 - 02.2019
- Performed in-depth evaluations for disability and Workers Compensation using McCarron Dial System.
- Maintained a high degree of professionalism when dealing with sensitive information or challenging situations during the course of an evaluation.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends and benchmarks, resulting in more accurate evaluations.
- Presented concise evaluation reports to management, supporting strategic decision-making processes.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing evaluation frameworks, identifying areas for improvement or adaptation based on changing circumstances or needs.
Hand Therapist
Kaiser Permanente
11.2005 - 11.2015
- Evaluated and fabricated custom splints to provide optimal support for healing tissues while facilitating functional use of the affected extremity.
- Optimized clinic schedule management by coordinating appointments efficiently based on priority levels or physician referrals.
- Consistently documented patient progress, effectively communicating results to physicians for continuity of care.
- Empowered patients through self-care education including proper splinting techniques, home exercise programs, joint protection, and ergonomics.
- Streamlined clinic operations by maintaining organized treatment areas, preparing equipment, and updating inventory as needed.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment plans accordingly.
- Extended post-operative rehabilitation to improve surgical outcomes and recovery.
- Applied manual techniques and therapeutic exercises to improve range of motion, strength, balance and coordination.
- Taught Hand therapy courses to staff.
Occupational Therpist
HealthSouth
11.2001 - 11.2005
- Advocated for the profession by participating in community events promoting awareness of occupational therapy services available locally.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and monitoring progress.
- Mentored occupational therapy students during clinical rotations, fostering professional growth and development.
- Taught Hand therapy courses for staff.
- Performed assessments during treatment to determine progress according to goals.
- Provided education to empower patients and families to understand conditions, treatments and treatment options for managing symptoms.
Education
Master of Science - Compliance Law
Seattle University School of Law
Seattle08.2025
Master of Science - Neuroanatomy
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO12.2003
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Colorado State University
Colorado 08.2003
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA09.1993
Skills
- Patient-focused therapy
- Orthopedics specialist
- Planning and Coordination
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Detail-oriented
- Interpersonal Communication
- Dependable
- Dedicated
- Custom Orthosis Fabrication Skills - on a scheduled and walk-in basis
- Motivated
Accomplishments
- Graduate and undergraduate student teacher for Gross anatomy dissection labs for Colorado State University.
- Provided expert testimony and deposition for hand therapy legal cases.
- Completed person training certification through Colorado State University.
- Owned personal training business while attending Colorado State University.
- Won Art degree award for fibers and welding while attending Colorado State University.
Certification
- National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy 2002-present
- Hand Therapy Certification Commissions 2013-present
- California State Occupational Licensing Board 2021-present
Timeline
Certified Hand Therapist
Kaweah Hand Therapy
05.2021 - Current
Amtrace
COVID Investigator
01.2021 - 04.2021
Hand Therapist
Hand To Hand Therapy
11.2017 - 02.2019
Occupational Evaluator
Occupational Resources Inc.
10.2016 - 02.2019
Hand Therapist
Mountain States Hand, Physical And Speech Therapy
01.2013 - 01.2019
Hand Therapist
Kaiser Permanente
11.2005 - 11.2015
Occupational Therpist
HealthSouth
11.2001 - 11.2005
Master of Science - Compliance Law
Seattle University School of Law
Master of Science - Neuroanatomy
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
- National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy 2002-present
- Hand Therapy Certification Commissions 2013-present
- California State Occupational Licensing Board 2021-present
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