Per Diem Inpatient Physical Therapist

About the Role

Reporting to the Rehabilitation Therapies Supervisor/Manager, the Staff Physical Therapist conducts comprehensive assessments of in and outpatients with physical and functional deficits. They plan and implement individual and group physical therapy treatments to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, prevent permanent disability, and restore independence using various treatment techniques. The role involves collaborating with other disciplines to arrange appropriate follow-up care and facilitate a successful return to home and work environments. Additionally, the Staff Physical Therapist provides student training according to departmental guidelines and participates in continuous education.

Responsibilities

• Conducts physical therapy evaluation procedures according to professional and departmental guidelines.
• Responds to all consults in assigned area within 24 hours; completes evaluation and documentation within 24 hours of consult (IP).
• Reviews patient records, gathers necessary information, and obtains a physician’s order prior to assessing the patient.
• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations.
• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including range of motion, manual muscle testing, mobility, air entry, and breath sounds); adapts evaluation procedures as needed.
• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendations.
• Performs re-evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient’s status, or response to treatment.
• Educates patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations.
• Establishes treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third-party reimbursement requirements.
• Formulates treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient’s unique psychological and functional deficits.
• Establishes measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver.
• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in patient’s status.
• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.
• Implements comprehensive individual and group treatment, demonstrating clinical competence.
• Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and patient needs.
• Uses creative treatment approaches and explores alternative solutions to individual patient problems.
• Demonstrates clinical problem-solving skills with a variety of patient problems.
• Progresses patient treatment programs appropriately and terminates them as warranted by patient’s progress and condition.
• Recommends and/or issues appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring proper fit.
• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.
• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions and demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations.
• Assigns appropriate patients to Physical Therapist Assistant and Rehabilitation and/or Co-op Aide, seeking feedback.
• Monitors clinical supplies on assigned floors, requesting replacements in a timely manner.
• Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and standards.
• Completes area-specific documentation accurately and thoroughly in a timely manner.
• Issues supplies/adaptive equipment in a cost-effective manner.
• Completes patient care charges accurately and meets productivity standards.
• Participates in the peer review process and completes mandatory requirements within the given time frame.
• Shows evidence of ongoing professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.
• Communicates learning needs to supervisor and stays current with advances in physical therapy treatments.
• Participates in the development and evaluation of physical therapy programs.
• Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high-quality patient care.
• Serves as a clinical resource for other healthcare professionals on assigned floors.
• Provides at least one evidence-based area in-service annually.
• Supervises physical therapy students and orients medical professional staff and the community to physical therapy.
• Utilizes the hospital's values as the basis for decision-making and follows established infection control and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current Commonwealth of Massachusetts license in Physical Therapy.
• APTA and MCAPTA membership preferred.
• Current CPR certification.
• New graduates welcome; experienced therapists encouraged to apply.

Skills

• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with patients, families, and various members of the healthcare team.
• Analytical abilities sufficient to evaluate patients’ condition, capabilities, and progress to develop appropriate treatment programs.

Pay

Compensation range: $40.03 - $51.79 per hour. This range offers an estimate based on minimum job qualifications. Factors considered include education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Pharmacy benefits.
• Contract increases.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 403(b) savings matches.
• Earned time cash out.
• Paid time off.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Resources to support employee and family wellbeing.