Jobs › Southern Illinois Healthcare
Inpatient Occupational Therapist
Posted Jul 13, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a plan of care you had to change because the patient wasn't progressing.
What they are checking: Whether they reassess and adapt rather than continuing a plan that is not working.
How do you work with nursing and PT so the patient isn't getting mixed messages about mobility?
What they are checking: Whether they coordinate with the team so patients get consistent safety guidance.
If you're new grad or newly licensed in Illinois, how will you build confidence in acute care?
What they are checking: Whether they know how to seek mentorship and learn quickly in a fast inpatient setting.
What would you do
How do you supervise a COTA and students while still carrying your own caseload?
What they are checking: Whether they can delegate appropriately and still meet their supervision responsibilities under the license.
A patient's family wants them to go home, but you don't think it's safe yet. How do you handle that?
What they are checking: Whether they can share concerns honestly and suggest safer options without dismissing the family.
You have more patients than time today. How do you prioritize who you see?
What they are checking: Whether they prioritize based on discharge timing and clinical need rather than convenience.
About the work
Walk me through your evaluation of a stroke patient on day two of their hospital stay.
What they are checking: Whether they run a thorough evaluation covering ADLs, cognition, vision and safety to guide discharge.
How do you decide whether a patient should go home, to inpatient rehab or to a skilled nursing facility?
What they are checking: Whether their recommendations are grounded in function and support at home, which drives the discharge plan.
What makes an inpatient OT note complete and defensible?
What they are checking: Whether their documentation shows skilled need, measurable goals and progress that support care and billing.
How would you treat a patient after a hip fracture who has strict precautions but wants to be independent?
What they are checking: Whether they can teach adaptive techniques and equipment while keeping precautions safe.
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As published by Southern Illinois Healthcare.