Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Nicole Schlecht Cooper

Lexington,TN

Summary

Dynamic Occupational Therapist with extensive experience, specializing in patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration with Pediatric and Geriatric populations with orthopedic background as well. Proven track record in developing customized treatment plans and enhancing patient independence through innovative therapeutic techniques. Skilled in clinical reasoning and staff education, driving improved outcomes and fostering professional growth within therapy teams. Currently holds credentialing in Hippotherapy, as a Child Passenger Safety Technician, a Advanced EMT license and able to complete high end power wheelchair evaluations effectively and proficiently.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Occupational Therapist

Volunteer Homecare of West, TN
Parsons, TN
05.2013 - Current
  • Documented patient progress and treatment effectiveness using electronic health records systems.
  • Supported the implementation of evidence-based practices in therapy sessions.
  • Adapted therapeutic interventions based on patient feedback and evolving needs.
  • Provided education to empower patients and families to understand conditions, treatments and treatment options for managing symptoms.
  • Promoted independence in activities of daily living through task analysis, environmental adaptations, and compensatory techniques.
  • Performed assessments during treatment to determine progress according to goals.
  • Customized standard plans to meet individual abilities and needs.
  • Performed evaluations and assessments to recommend best treatment for individual patients.

Director of Occupational Therapy

Tennessee Quality Homecare
05.2007 - 05.2013
  • Supervised therapy team, enhancing service delivery through effective leadership and communication.
  • Developed and implemented patient-centered treatment plans aligned with best practices and regulatory standards.
  • Mentored junior therapists, fostering professional growth and ensuring adherence to therapeutic protocols.
  • Analyzed patient progress data to refine intervention strategies and improve overall outcomes.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to integrate technology into therapy practices, improving documentation accuracy and workflow efficiency.
  • Developed community outreach initiatives to promote awareness of occupational therapy services available within the facility.
  • Focused on patient-centered care while addressing individual goals during each session.
  • Coordinated effectively with healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines for holistic patient care.
  • Organized continuing education opportunities for staff members, enhancing skillsets and promoting professional growth within the team.
  • Mentored junior therapists, providing guidance on clinical best practices and professional development opportunities.
  • Established compassionate and caring relationships with patients.
  • Determined best treatment plans to meet objectives for school, work, and home life.

Director of Occupational Therapy

Cerebral Palsy Center
Jackson , TN
05.2004 - 05.2007
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize care coordination and streamline operational efficiency.
  • Conducted staff training sessions on new therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices to enhance skill sets.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through regular audits, identifying areas for improvement in service quality.
  • Improved staff efficiency through regular performance evaluations, feedback, and targeted training initiatives.
  • Regularly assessed program effectiveness to make adjustments that provided optimal benefits to patients.
  • Established strong relationships with referring physicians to ensure seamless coordination of care for shared patients.
  • Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements, maintaining updated knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
  • Optimized resource allocation by evaluating staffing needs, equipment availability, and budget constraints regularly.
  • Child Passenger Safety Certified Technician
  • Certified in providing therapy with pediatrics on horseback - Hippotherapy

Director of Therapy Services

West Tennessee Healthcare
Dyersburg, Tennessee
05.2002 - 05.2004
  • Developed and implemented therapy service protocols to enhance patient care quality.
  • Led cross-functional teams in strategic planning for therapy service expansion initiatives.
  • Streamlined patient intake processes, improving workflow efficiency across therapy departments.
  • Mentored and trained staff on best practices for therapeutic techniques and patient engagement.
  • Managed budget allocations for therapy services, ensuring resource optimization and compliance.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through data analysis, driving continuous improvement in service delivery.
  • Established cost center, ordered equipment and hired staff to provide outpatient services with a focus on Pediatrics
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to integrate multidisciplinary approaches in treatment plans.

Occupational Therapist

NRG Wellness
05.1999 - 05.2002
  • Assisted in evaluating patient needs through observation and standardized assessments.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Engaged patients in therapeutic activities to enhance physical and cognitive skills.
  • Educated clients and families on rehabilitation strategies for improved outcomes.

Education

Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Services

Dyersburg State Community College
Dyersburg, TN
05-2003

Master of Arts - Occupational Therapy

Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX
05-1999

Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Biology

University of Alabama
AL
05-1996

Skills

  • Family and patient education
  • Clinical reasoning
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Direct patient care
  • Goal setting experience
  • Intervention planning
  • Therapeutic techniques
  • Sensory integration
  • Activity analysis
  • Progress monitoring
  • Documentation skills
  • Staff education and training
  • Clinical training
  • Patient assessment
  • Patient evaluations
  • Discharge planning
  • Case management
  • Treatment implementation
  • Handwriting intervention
  • Geriatric treatment
  • Progress assessments
  • Orthopedic rehabilitation
  • Home modifications
  • Wheelchair seating
  • Community integration

Certification

  • OTR - Occupational Therapist Registered
  • Advanced EMT
  • Certificate for Hippotherapy
  • Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
  • Proficient in evaluations for Power Mobility

Timeline

Occupational Therapist

Volunteer Homecare of West, TN
05.2013 - Current

Director of Occupational Therapy

Tennessee Quality Homecare
05.2007 - 05.2013

Director of Occupational Therapy

Cerebral Palsy Center
05.2004 - 05.2007

Director of Therapy Services

West Tennessee Healthcare
05.2002 - 05.2004

Occupational Therapist

NRG Wellness
05.1999 - 05.2002

Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Services

Dyersburg State Community College

Master of Arts - Occupational Therapy

Texas Woman's University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Biology

University of Alabama
Nicole Schlecht Cooper