Physical Therapist (PT) - Inpatient Weekend Program

Responsibilities

• Interprets physician referrals and completes musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and/or integumentary evaluations using appropriate methods.
• Establishes a plan of care and implements individualized treatment based on evaluation results and functional goals.
• Monitors and evaluates outcomes, adjusting the treatment plan based on patient response, and provides status updates to physicians and teammates.
• Identifies factors affecting patient comfort (physical and psychosocial) and addresses these needs.
• Plans and completes patient discharge, including written home programs, patient/family teaching, referrals for community services, transition planning, and ordering equipment as needed.
• Communicates and collaborates with stakeholders to achieve optimum patient care.
• Completes all required documentation (evaluations, progress notes, team conference reports, discharge summaries) following department policy and accreditation standards.
• Records patient care and progress for assigned patients.
• Completes daily statistics, billing, and scheduling, applying insurance guidelines for authorization and visit limits.
• Maintains site/department productivity standards and adheres to billing/documentation policies and timelines.
• Maintains a clean and orderly treatment area, including cleaning up after patient treatment and putting away equipment.
• Performs manual techniques, patient positioning, transferring, and transporting duties requiring lifting, pushing, and pulling with proper technique.
• Demonstrates skill in using modalities, exercise equipment, and other devices per department orientation checklist.
• Applies knowledge of indications and contraindications for modalities and exercises.
• Promotes patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following safety/infection control measures.
• Participates in performance improvement activities to resolve problems affecting patient care outcomes.
• Manages assigned caseload, informs leadership of coverage needs, and assists with coverage based on department/regional needs.
• Pursues professional growth through continuing education, department in-services, and professional literature.
• Orients new staff to clinical and department policies as requested.
• Participates in co-worker evaluations by providing verbal or written feedback as requested.
• May supervise physical therapy assistants, delegating tasks while maintaining responsibility for patient care and goals.
• May supervise physical therapy extenders (rehab aides/techs) in administering treatments and teaching appropriate techniques.
• May supervise physical therapy students after completing one year of clinical experience.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school or educational requirements commensurate with the date of graduation.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in the state of employment.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification (obtained within 90 days unless exempted by department leader).
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Successfully completes all competency assessments and site-specific requirements for patient care.
• Knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan to assess and interpret patient needs based on age-specific requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
  • Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
  • Lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead.
  • Lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
  • Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Repetitive use of hands:
  • Simple grasping (5-15 lbs.) for 20% of the workday.
  • Pushing/pulling (up to 75-100 lbs.) for 10% of the day.
  • Fine manipulation during massage and joint mobilization.
• Functional use of senses for effective communication.
• Exposure to electrical/chemical hazards, blood, and body fluids; must wear protective clothing as needed.
• May require travel, exposing the individual to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all necessary equipment to perform the job.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional certifications, registrations, or licenses relevant to physical therapy.
• Prior work experience in a clinical setting.
• Advanced knowledge, skills, or abilities in specialized areas of physical therapy.