Physical Therapist (Inpatient)

Physical Therapist (Inpatient)

About Us

We are dedicated to providing quality healthcare and achieving health equity. Our Chicago location is building a full-service community hospital in the Bronzeville area, aiming to increase services and meet community needs. We are a growing team committed to delivering world-class service with compassion, love, expertise, and impact.

Role Overview

Under the administrative direction of Rehab Services and Occupational Medicine, and the direct supervision of the Physical Therapy Supervisor, the Physical Therapist provides age-appropriate care for children (8-18 years), adults (19-60 years), and geriatric adults (61+ years). This role involves community education on physical therapy topics, educating hospital personnel, and working collaboratively with Physical Therapist Assistants and other department staff. All duties are performed confidentially, adhering to the hospital's mission, values, and behaviors, with a focus on high-quality care, service, and kindness.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Evaluation & Planning

• Interpret physician referrals and identify precautions/contraindications.
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare staff, providing expertise on physical therapy treatment philosophies.
• Obtain pertinent patient information from charts and patients.
• Consult with physicians, nurses, and supervisors as needed.
• Select and apply appropriate evaluation procedures.
• Assess mental, emotional, and cognitive status.
• Gather subjective information from patients.
• Set and document measurable short-term and long-term goals.
• Supervise and review evaluations performed by Physical Therapist Assistants.
• Identify and document precautions, problems, contraindications, goals, and re-evaluation plans.
• Re-evaluate and modify plans of care as necessary.

Treatment Implementation

• Review charts and patient information before each session.
• Seek guidance and incorporate data into treatment sessions.
• Plan treatment programs based on evaluation results.
• Progress treatment promptly and act as a resource for PTAs.
• Evaluate patient response and revise goals and treatment as appropriate.
• Recognize and report abnormal physiological and psychological changes.
• Seek guidance for questionable situations.
• Instruct patients, healthcare providers, and families.
• Involve patients and families in treatment planning and discharge.
• Recommend durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices.
• Utilize appropriate modalities, therapeutic exercise, and mobilization.
• Present rationale for procedure selection.
• Participate in patient care conferences, team conferences, clinics, and rounds.
• Make concise verbal reports on patient status.
• Incorporate safety, infection control, and emergency procedures.

Administrative & Organizational Duties

• Possess thorough knowledge of policies and procedures.
• Organize schedule to reflect a "Patients 1st" philosophy.
• Carry a patient load reflecting unit productivity standards.
• Demonstrate appropriate written communication (evaluations, progress notes, discharge summaries, etc.).
• Maintain timely and accurate department records.
• Inform supervisor immediately if paperwork falls behind.
• Complete variance reports with assistance.

Performance Improvement

• Review clinical procedures, protocols, and forms.
• Make recommendations for change.
• Complete clinical competencies.
• May participate in quality improvement teams.

Departmental Administration

• Attend unit and departmental meetings.
• Make recommendations for new equipment needs with supporting data.
• Appropriately delegate responsibilities to support personnel and PTAs.
• Inform supervisor about significant developments (patient/physician problems, equipment issues, incidents).
• Serve as a department representative on patient care teams.
• Ensure department equipment is in working condition and meets safety standards.
• Report defective equipment and initiate work orders.
• Utilize hospital equipment and supplies cost-effectively.
• Maintain a clean work environment.

Educational Responsibilities

• Identify own learning needs and seek educational experiences.
• Attend hospital orientation and departmental services.
• Meet documentation standards for in-services and continuing education.
• Attend at least 20 hours of continuing education per year.
• Stay current on Physical Therapy issues (journals, research, APTA functions).
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• Participate in patient or community education programs.

Communication Skills

Verbal Communication

• Establish rapport with patients and families.
• Explain therapy interventions and answer questions.
• Give, receive, and validate information clearly and concisely.
• Recognize and adjust nonverbal communication.
• Manage emotional reactions to difficult patient behaviors.
• Maintain professional distance with compassion and concern.
• Display courtesy and respect.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Demonstrate openness to different points of view.
• Work to achieve positive outcomes in conflicts.

Written Communication

• Ensure written communication is legible, concise, accurate, and reader-appropriate.

Job Details

• Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Positions: 1 Full Time
• Experience: 2 – 20 Years