Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

A Brief Overview

Assesses, plans and implements treatment programs for patients according to established principles and practices of Physical Therapy. Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team. Oversees work of support personnel.

What you will do

• The physical therapist shall provide evaluation and treatment that is consistent with Rehab activities and patient care policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, and patient safety practices.
• Evaluates patients upon initial encounter to assess impairment and current condition to estimate rehabilitation potential. Makes referrals to other treatment members when appropriate.
• Plans appropriate treatment program for each patient based upon the assessment, including training in functional mobility, use of assistive devices, therapeutic exercise, balance and coordination retraining, massage, heat, and cryotherapy.
• Applies diagnostic and progressive muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests.
• Conducts tests of strength, upright motor control, spasticity, sensation, proprioception, visual field, bulbar functions, cognition, gait analysis, body image, electro-diagnostic, and other tests.
• Develops treatment plans, including specific and realistic goals with patients' input; explains treatment plan and goals to patients. Adapts conventional physical therapy techniques to meet the needs of patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carry out a regime of therapeutic exercises.
• Performs complex treatments such as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, bulbar treatment and use of plaster splints for positioning a body member.
• Directs and aids patient in therapeutic regimen. Delegates routine care to supportive personnel as appropriate. Acts in supervisory role to ensure proper execution of tasks.
• Evaluates treatment effect and modifies plan as necessary.
• Evaluates, records and reports on patients progress for review by other members of the team.
• Completes required documentation thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge and technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific patient needs within rehab areas.
• Compiles, prepares and maintains reports, records and files as required, such as evaluation results, individualized treatment plans and progress reports.
• Works collaboratively in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with iRESPECT standards and promoting patient / customer satisfaction. Communicates observations, facts and comments timely to medical and / or hospital staff to ensure efficient coordination of the overall health plan and integrate physical treatment with other activities.
• Confers with physicians regarding evaluation, treatment and progress of patients and expresses judgments upon which physicians base decisions to improve the patient's function using a wide variety of surgical or bracing procedures.
• Participates on an interdisciplinary team and reports on assigned patients' condition and progress. Advises allied health personnel, teachers and families regarding patients' progress and discharge plans.
• Provides in-services for staff and other departments.
• Responds and / or participates with medical emergencies. Initiates and / or assists with CPR / BLS / ACLS as required.
• Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities, observations and progress. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.
• Attends staff meetings, all mandatory in-service, and additional continuing education as required.
• Contributes to the annual review of unit-based scope statement and determination of important aspects of care for clinical review.
• Assists in the development of indicators, thresholds, study methods, and data collection as assigned.
• Responds to problems / opportunities to improve care.
• Supports and is involved in the organization's Performance Improvement initiatives.
• Provides instruction, assigns and oversees work of Physical Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides or a Student Physical Therapists.
• Explains each assigned patient's treatment programs, demonstrating unfamiliar procedures, and reviewing and discussing work performed.
• Assists in the orientation and oversees the supervision of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment, and services as part of their training.
• Adheres to established departmental and organizational policies, compliance / quality improvement, and safety, environment and infection control standards.
• Assists in care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
• Provides coverage for relief and absences as required.

Qualifications

Physical Demands

Regional One Health is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities.