How many clients are you seeing daily?

The caseload varies from day to day based on the nature of acute care where the goal medically is to decrease length of stay. In these first 4 weeks I am able to treat 1-4 patients daily.

What are their diagnoses?

Diagnoses also vary in acute care. Priority is give to patients with time-sensitive diagnoses including CVA and joint replacement/orthopedic patients. These patients are less likely to have an increase in functional deficit with earlier initiation of rehab services. Other diagnoses include cardiopulmonary issues, altered mental status, and gastrointestinal issues.

What is considered a full caseload for your facility? 

A full caseload ranges from 8-10 patients per day. I will not have the opportunity to manage a full caseload until the final 2 weeks of my FW experience because of the 2:1 student to FWS model at my facility. The other student is 2 weeks ahead of me and we will share the caseload until the end of her rotation.

Discuss one strategy you are utilizing to help you work toward or maintain a full caseload.

I am currently functioning at a full caseload based on the model of education. I plan to maintain this by employing time management throughout the day and communicating with my FWS and the other student to facilitate the most effective use of time.