PHYSICAL THERAPIST PER DIEM -

About the role

Join New Mexico’s only Level 1 trauma center and premier teaching hospital as a dynamic inpatient acute care PRN physical therapist. You will rotate between UNMH’s adult care units and have the opportunity to train on specialty teams, including the ICUs, pediatric units, and burn team. This role involves collaboration with a highly skilled team of physical and occupational therapists, assistants, nurses, and medical teams, with some weekend and holiday coverage required.

Experience is preferred; however, new graduates are welcome and will be supported with a robust training program.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients to determine treatment goals and outline therapy delivery based on assessed needs.
• Plan and implement therapy programs using physical means such as exercise, massage, heat, sound, water, light, and electricity.
• Apply evaluation methodologies to assess functional ability.
• Consult with medical staff on patient care.
• Educate patients on the use of specialized equipment, posture control, and therapeutic procedures.
• Instruct caregivers on prescribed physical therapy regimens and home/personal safety in various environments.
• Adapt therapy techniques to meet individual patient needs.
• Conduct training for medical, nursing, and ancillary personnel in therapy techniques and objectives.
• Provide clinical direction through mentoring and planning/implementing staff in-service training.
• Supervise and instruct Physical Therapy students and volunteers; delegate patient treatment responsibilities to ancillary staff as appropriate.
• Document all patient care activities and process patient billing.
• Assess home environments for modifications and make recommendations to maximize daily living activities.
• Order supplies and equipment as needed.
• Complete insurance documentation as required.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, visitors, physicians, and hospital employees.
• Enhance professional growth through participation in educational programs, literature, in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Follow and promote patient safety policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions or situations that may pose risks to patient safety.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors, and near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their care by asking questions and reporting concerns.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
• New Mexico Physical Therapist License or Temporary License (required within 30 days of hire).
• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers certification (required within 30 days of hire).
• 1 year of directly related experience (preferred but not required; new graduates welcome).
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo (preferred).

Physical demands include heavy work: exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Moderate exposure to chemicals, dangerous equipment, or hazardous materials.

Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and as required thereafter. Must satisfy per diem program requirements within the department.

Pay

Shift differentials: 17% for Weekday Nights, 26% for Weekend Nights, and 15% for Weekend Days.

Compensation is based on factors including experience, education, and other business or organizational considerations.