Occupational Therapist - Acute Care - FT
Posted Jul 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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 patient with cognitive problems who did not see their own safety risks. How did you handle it?
What they are checking: Skill with cognition and communicating risk to patients and families.
Why acute care, and what would help you grow here?
What they are checking: Fit with fast-paced hospital work and openness to growth.
What would you do
You have more patients than time. How do you prioritize your caseload?
What they are checking: Smart prioritization based on discharge timing and patient need.
How do you work with PT, nursing and case management on discharge planning?
What they are checking: Teamwork that helps patients leave safely and on time.
A patient refuses therapy. What do you do?
What they are checking: Respect for choice, plus attempts to understand and motivate.
About the work
Walk me through an OT evaluation for a patient in the hospital after a stroke.
What they are checking: A focused acute evaluation of function, cognition and safety for discharge.
How do you decide whether a patient can safely go home or needs rehab?
What they are checking: Discharge recommendation skill, which is a major part of acute care OT.
How do you set realistic goals for a patient in a short hospital stay?
What they are checking: Goal-setting that fits acute care, which the posting stresses.
How do you teach a family member to help a patient with daily activities at home?
What they are checking: Caregiver education that improves outcomes after discharge.
How do you stay safe and keep patients safe when mobilizing someone with lines and tubes?
What they are checking: Awareness of medical equipment and precautions in the acute setting.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Sanford Health.