Physical Therapist

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, diversity, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO / AA

This position evaluates and implements physical therapy to patients with neurological, burn / wound, or musculoskeletal injuries or to patients with other acute or chronic physical disabilities through the use of physical therapy techniques, to relieve pain, restore physical functioning and facilitate independence. The incumbent may be involved in the prevention of disabilities or injury re-occurrence. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Corporate Overview : The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and assesses the patient's abilities and limitations.
• Establishes plan of treatment and goals based on the referral and evaluation of functional skills, joint mobility, gait, developmental reflexes, muscle strength, tone, and coordination, sensation tests, and other measures to ensure rapid patient recovery.
• Implements therapy according to the established plan, utilizing appropriate procedures, equipment and techniques within the scope of physical therapy.
• May participate in wound management through wound debridement, dressing changes, exercise, stretching, and splinting.
• Recommends adaptive equipment, completes the equipment justification forms and arranges for the delivery of equipment.
• Re-evaluates patients, assesses their progress and makes recommendations regarding discharge.
• Consults and co-treats with other patient care team members to discuss patient progress, set objectives for patient treatment and integrate physical treatment with other activities.
• Educates the patient and / or caregiver about the findings of the evaluation, established goals of the physical therapy program, plan of treatment, home programs, injury prevention and other related information.
• Evaluates home or work environments and makes physical barrier modification or ergonomic recommendations.
• May assist with departmental program development and training physical therapy students.
• May provide in-services for staff, other departments, and the community.
• Provides documentation of patient care according to established criteria.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement projects.
• Supervises the patient care activities of aides, assistants, attendants, students, and volunteers.
• Participates in in-services, medical conferences, staff meetings, continuing education courses, team meetings, and other related activities.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Qualifications

Qualifications

Licenses Required

Qualifications (Preferred)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

Physical Requirements

Carrying, Color Determination, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Pulling and / or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking