SARA GARCIA
Santa Fe,TX
Summary
Compassionate Registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience delivering comprehensive therapy services in a high-volume hospital. As a primary preceptor, responsible for training new therapists to ensure clinical competency and improve patient outcomes. Committed to fostering a supportive team environment while enhancing long-term patient satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Occupational Therapist & Department Leader
HCA Houston Healthcare
Clear Lake, TX
2011.05 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive occupational therapy services within a high-volume hospital campus, managing a diverse caseload with wide-ranging medical diagnoses.
- Serve as the primary preceptor responsible for onboarding and training new hire therapists to ensure clinical competency and alignment with hospital protocols.
- Utilize foundational splinting skills for patient positioning and protection, with a strong enthusiasm for pursuing advanced training and continuing education.
- Monitor clinical inventory, tracking and reporting equipment and supply needs directly to management to ensure uninterrupted patient care.
- Manage internal department culture by organizing team activities, assisting coworkers in safely escalating professional concerns to management, and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Appointed to the Employee Advisory Group (EAG); advocate for departmental concerns and collaborate with hospital leadership to resolve operational problems.
- Actively participated in successful stroke surveys required for critical hospital stroke center certifications.
- Coordinate, plan, and implement campus-wide holiday events and employee activities to boost entire-hospital morale and engagement.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center
Webster, Texas
1998.02 - 2011.05
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and therapeutic exercises.
- Collaborated with occupational therapists to develop personalized treatment plans.
- Educated patients on adaptive techniques for improved mobility and function.
- Delivered high level of quality care and understanding to patients suffering from painful and debilitating conditions.
- Documented patient progress and therapy sessions in electronic health records.
- Trained new staff on patient care protocols and therapy procedures.
- Communicated effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Provided direct patient care and interventions to individuals with physical, cognitive, psychological, or social disabilities.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans and progress reports.
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Galveston, TX2011-05
Bachelor of Science - Fitness and Human Performance
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)
Houston, TX2008-06
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
San Jacinto College
Pasadena, TX1997-06
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Therapeutic interventions
- Team building
- Health policy compliance
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient safety standards
- Medical documentation
- Splinting techniques
Certification
- Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)-National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) 3/2029
- Licensed Occupational Therapist-Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners 8/2027
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers-American Heart Association 6/2027
Timeline
Staff Occupational Therapist & Department Leader
HCA Houston Healthcare
2011.05 - Current
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center
1998.02 - 2011.05
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Bachelor of Science - Fitness and Human Performance
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
San Jacinto College