Physical Therapist

Position Details

Job Title

Physical Therapist

Job Type

Full-Time

Location

Rehabilitation Services

Salary

$60.00 - $90.00 per hour

Job Description

The staff physical therapist will see patients in the acute, outpatient, skilled nursing facility, and emergency department. The physical therapist plans, prepares, and conducts individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve/restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, and prevent physical dysfunction in patients.

They perform and document initial examinations, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention. Throughout the course of treatment, the therapist evaluates the effects of interventions at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.

The physical therapist administers manual exercises, therapeutic modalities to increase patient strength, and reduce or prevent deformity and disability. They oversee and direct patient care provided by physical therapy assistants, ensuring quality and continuity of care. The therapist assists patients in reaching their maximum performance and functional level, while helping them adapt to their physical limitations.

They confer with patients, medical practitioners, and other appropriate personnel to plan, implement, and assess the effectiveness of the intervention program. The physical therapist reviews physician referrals and patient medical records to determine appropriate diagnoses and necessary physical therapy treatments.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the physical therapist participates in the operational aspects of the department, supports performance improvement initiatives, and contributes to Quality Improvement (QI) activities. They also participate in infection control procedures, equipment training, and adhere to district safety and fire safety programs.

Roles & Responsibilities

• An ability to observe and evaluate treatment effects, recommends change to physician if needed.
• Ability to perform an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients, and the general patient population.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation – makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of all rehabilitation services modalities.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• When requested, trains personnel utilizing on-the-job training for nursing and other hospital staff, as well as departmental staff.
• Competent with the required electronic medical record system for patient charting/billing.
• Studies current trends and developments in rehabilitative medicine through current literature and professional society.
• Maintains standards of professional society procedures and ethical behavior.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience in aspects of rehabilitative medicine, preferred not required.
• Current California Physical Therapist License.
• Current BLS certification.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance, and repairs of same.
• Ability to maintain control and respond calmly and positively during crisis situations (i.e., Code Blue).