PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Responsibilities

• Adapts to varied age-specific patient populations, including adult and geriatric patients.
• Performs assessments of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities and disposition needs.
• Documents assessments and reassessments using the FIM's criteria.
• Identifies teaching needs and goals related to each patient's diagnosis from the admission assessment, collaborating with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team.
• Participates in initial evaluation team conferences and all reevaluation team conferences where possible.
• Communicates pertinent information regarding changes in patients' status to appropriate staff (e.g., physician, nurse, adviser).
• Works closely with the interdisciplinary team to ensure patient goals are met within projected time frames.
• Initiates discharge planning from the day of admission, anticipating family and environmental issues that may affect discharge as well as patient needs.
• Collaborates closely with the case manager regarding discharge planning and equipment needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of specific transfer techniques, use of equipment (teaching process, awareness of need), ambulation skills, and all forms of ADL specific to patients' disabilities.

Requirements

• Valid Physical Therapist License.