PHYSICAL THERAPIST PER DIEM -

Position Summary

Organize and deliver medically-prescribed physical therapy to restore function and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of a body part. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric age groups.

Detailed 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