PHYSICAL THERAPIST PER DIEM -

About the role

Dynamic outpatient position at New Mexico’s only Level 1 trauma center and the state’s only teaching hospital. The successful applicant will provide services at our main outpatient rehabilitation department with an orthopaedic and primary care focus. As a member of the UNMH outpatient team, you will be part of a rehab department composed of highly trained and specialty certified O.T.s and P.T.s. You will also work with P.T.A.s to optimally meet the needs of our clients. Educational opportunities abound. Many of our therapists also teach in the UNM Physical Therapy and/or Occupational Therapy educational programs. We also support a strong student internship program. New graduates welcome.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient to determine treatment goals; outline delivery of therapy according to assessed needs; plan therapy program involving physical means to include exercise, massage, heat, sound, water, light, and electricity
• Apply methodology for evaluation of functional ability
• Consult with medical staff on patient care
• Educate patient in use of specialized equipment, posture control, and therapeutic procedures
• Instruct caregivers on prescribed physical therapy regimen; instruct patients and caregivers on home and personal safety in various environments
• Adapt therapy techniques to meet patient needs
• Conduct training for medical, nursing and ancillary personnel in therapy techniques and objectives; provide clinical direction through mentoring, planning and implementing staff in-service training
• Supervise and instruct Physical Therapy students and volunteers as delegated; delegate patient treatment responsibilities to ancillary staff as appropriate
• Document all patient care activities; process patient billing
• Assess home environment for modifications; make recommendations on modifications needed to maximize daily living activities
• Order supplies and equipment
• Complete insurance documentation as required
• Establish and maintain good rapport and effective working relationships with patients, visitors, physicians and Hospitals employees
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
• Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline
• Experience: 1 year directly related experience
• Credentials: CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days, NM Physical Therapist License or Temporary License
• Physical Conditions: Heavy Work