Physical Therapist I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapist I conducts comprehensive assessments of inpatients with physical and functional deficits, planning and implementing physical therapy treatments to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, prevent permanent disability and restore independence, using various treatment techniques. Collaborates with other disciplines to arrange for appropriate follow-up care and facilitates a successful return to home and work environments.

Position: Physical Therapist I

Department: Physical Therapy

Schedule: 40 Hours (Days)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Conducts physical therapy evaluation procedures according to professional and departmental guidelines. 

• Completes evaluation and documentation.

• Reviews patient records, gathers necessary information, and clarifies any questions about physician’s order prior to assessing the patient. 

• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations with input from mentor/senior staff as needed. 

• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including range of motion, manual muscle testing, balance, mobility); adapts evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients. 

• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendationswith input from mentor/senior staff as needed. 

• Performs re-evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient’s status or response to treatment. 

• Educates patient and caregiverregarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations. 

Establishes treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third-party reimbursement requirements. 

• Formulates treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient’s unique psychological and functional deficits. 

• Establishes measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver. 

• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in patient’s status. 

• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to: insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services. 

• Communicates patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed. Arranges for appropriate follow-up. 

Implements comprehensive treatment with input from mentor/senior staff as needed. Demonstrates steady evolution of clinical competence. 

• Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients. 

• Recommends and/or issues appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring that it properly fits the patient. 

• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated. 

• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions.  

Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and standards. 

• Completes patient care charges accurately.

Shows evidence of on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards. ​

• Stays current with advances in physical therapy treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature. 

• Participates in the development and evaluation of physical therapy programs 

• Contributes to the development and updating of clinical service line programs and other pertinent resource material as appropriate. 

• Collects data required to complete departmental quality improvement projects in compliance with established department standards. 

• Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of physical therapy programs in collaboration with manager and peers. 

Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care.

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on assigned floors. Instructs and assists ancillary and other personnel as necessary.

• Participate in department and hospital task forces and committees. 

• Provides at least one evidence-based area in-service annually. Provides in-services to other hospital personnel as requested. 

Orients medical professional staff and the community to physical therapy.

• Participates in pre-affiliation, class related, or other observation experiences. 

• Orients medical professional staff and students and the community (e.g. volunteers, high school initiatives). 

• If not eligible to take own students, assists with occasional supervision of other clinical instructor’s students. 

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).