Physical Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A degree in Physical Therapy, such as a B.S., M.S., or D.P.T, from an accredited institution is required. Prior experience in a hospital setting is preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND REGISTRATION

Must hold a valid license in the relevant state and possess CPR certification in Basic Life Support, Level C.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Uphold the general standards of the hospital to foster a collaborative work environment by leveraging communication skills, building interpersonal relationships, and engaging in team activities. Adhere to hospital and departmental policies and procedures while contributing to the overall quality of services. Stay informed about updates in policies and procedures.

Conduct patient assessments and treatments, ensuring evaluations and interventions are thorough, functional, and aligned with established Standards of Practice. Utilize professional judgment to interpret evaluation results and develop effective treatment plans with achievable goals. Support patients and their families in goal-setting, recognize changes in patients' physiological states, and recommend appropriate levels of care. Ensure positive patient outcomes and supervise support staff involved in patient care by providing guidance and feedback.

Maintain precise documentation by completing patient evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries in accordance with policy. Ensure timely and accurate recording of patient and family education, charges, departmental statistics, and relevant ICD-10 codes. Organize patient records systematically and ensure all documentation is clear and legible.

Meet departmental financial and productivity benchmarks. Understand budgetary expectations and maintain productivity standards while adjusting individual schedules to accommodate patient and departmental needs.

Engage in process management to enhance service quality and efficiency. Identify opportunities for improvement and communicate any barriers to progress to supervisors. Research and propose evidence-based best practices to elevate the quality of patient care.

Encourage professional growth and education among healthcare colleagues and represent the organization on committees. Facilitate in-service training sessions to share current information with healthcare workers and enhance safety practices. Stay updated on developments in the profession at local, state, and national levels, and share clinical expertise with fellow therapists, students, and other healthcare professionals.

Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, physicians, staff, and external stakeholders. Address staff inquiries promptly and foster an open communication environment. Share insights gained from seminars and keep supervisors informed about issues and resolutions. Ensure that patients and their families understand the information provided.

Deliver appropriate patient care in line with age and developmental guidelines. Demonstrate knowledge and skills specific to the age and development of the patients served. Utilize this knowledge when assessing patients and accurately interpret their responses to treatment. Maintain competence in age-specific patient care by regularly updating knowledge on growth, development, and aging processes.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate professionally with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers while delivering quality patient care.
• Capable of effectively communicating with patients of all ages and their significant others, tailored to their level of understanding.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge and clinical skills relevant to patient care across the lifespan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• May experience stressful conditions.
• Moderate noise levels are typical.
• Work in a clean, well-lit environment, though may encounter high humidity at times.
• Frequent exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens, with potential contact with infectious diseases.
• Interact with patients in various situations, including potential home visits.
• May encounter unpleasant elements and bodily fluids from patients.
• Subject to electro-mechanical hazards.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals is possible.
• Occasionally handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Personal protective equipment is required, including eye protection, face shields, gowns, masks, lab coats, sterile and non-sterile gloves, and shoe covers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Activity 0% 35% 65% 100% N/A Standing X Walking X Sitting X Bending X Reaching with arms X Finger and hand dexterity X Talking X Hearing X Seeing X Lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling 20 lbs. maximum X 50 lbs. maximum X 100 lbs. maximum X