Melissa Russo
West Milford,NJ
Summary
Passionate, professional doctor of physical therapy with excellent organizational and time management skills. Effective communicator with the ability to work collaboratively with professionals of various backgrounds within the interdisciplinary team. Enthusiastic personality with superior analytical and writing skills, with a strong focus on patient-centered therapeutic interventions.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Account Executive
Valley Home Care
10.2022 - Current
- Facilitate transfer of patients from healthcare facilities to the care of a home health agency, ensuring uninterrupted, continuous medical care
- Coordinate transition of care through medical chart reviews and discussion with patients, caregivers, interdisciplinary team members and community resources
- Develop, enhance and maintain relationships with targeted referral sources, including one acute hospital system and five subacute rehabilitation facilities
Home Care Physical Therapist
Valley Home Care
07.2021 - 10.2022
- Evaluated patients' home environments for potential challenges that could impede safe functioning
- Assessed patients' abilities and developed individualized treatment plans and home exercise programs tailored to meet each patient's specific needs with focus on maximizing intrinsic motivation
- Coordinated with community services for additional resources when appropriate and indicated
Outpatient Homecare Physical Therapist
Back to Health Physical Therapy Associates
10.2016 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with numerous members of the healthcare team to facilitate caregiver education and equipment needs to maximize patient safety and function within appropriate environment
- Provided education regarding diseases processes, rehabilitation strategies and safety precautions to maximize patient engagement and functional independence
Outpatient Homecare Physical Therapist
Fox Rehabilitation
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Delivered care to primarily geriatric patients with orthopedic, neurological and post-surgical rehabilitative needs in a home setting, in independent living facilities and in assisted living facilities
- Participated in randomized documentation audits to ensure appropriate use of skilled services and documentation of medical necessity
- Organized monthly in-services for residents of assisted living facility regarding safety techniques and fall prevention
Per Diem Physical Therapist
Hackensack University Medical Center
11.2015 - 06.2017
- Worked with adult patients with primarily orthopedic conditions in an acute hospital setting
- Continued primary therapists’ plans of care and progressed patients as appropriate to facilitate safe discharges
Director of Physical Therapy- Outpatient Physical Therapist
Kinnelon Medical and Wellness Associates
04.2016 - 10.2016
- Delivered therapy services to patients of all ages with orthopedic and post-surgical rehabilitative needs in an outpatient private practice
- Performed chart audits of other staff members to ensure documentation was completed and comprehensive for all Medicare and commercial insurances as well as worker’s compensation and motor vehicle cases
Staff Physical Therapist- Inpatient Brain Injury Unit
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
09.2014 - 04.2016
- Examined, evaluated and treated patients of all ages with acquired and traumatic neurological conditions in an acute rehabilitation hospital
- Mentored clinical students in their final rotations, ensuring proficiency in patient care and skilled documentation
- Collaborated with the Kessler Foundation to collect clinical data for current research projects and TBI Model Systems
Education
Doctorate of Physical Therapy -
Northeastern University
Boston, MA01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Science
Northeastern University
Boston, MA01.2013
Skills
- Adaptive to changing environments
- Interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Patient-centered therapeutic intervention
- Verbal and written communication
- Comprehensive documentation
Certification
- Licensure: Physical Therapy NJ40QA01561200, August 2014-present
- CPR and AED for Health Professionals- certified 2008-present
Timeline
Clinical Account Executive
Valley Home Care
10.2022 - Current
Home Care Physical Therapist
Valley Home Care
07.2021 - 10.2022
Outpatient Homecare Physical Therapist
Fox Rehabilitation
06.2018 - 06.2019
Outpatient Homecare Physical Therapist
Back to Health Physical Therapy Associates
10.2016 - 07.2021
Director of Physical Therapy- Outpatient Physical Therapist
Kinnelon Medical and Wellness Associates
04.2016 - 10.2016
Per Diem Physical Therapist
Hackensack University Medical Center
11.2015 - 06.2017
Staff Physical Therapist- Inpatient Brain Injury Unit
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
09.2014 - 04.2016
Doctorate of Physical Therapy -
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Science
Northeastern University
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