Physical Therapist

Job Title

Physical Therapist

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluation and Treatment Education
  • Receives the patient's referral from an appropriate physician/provider or via Direct Scheduling/Direct Access protocols within NWIHCS. Demonstrates the ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. Adheres to the VA scheduling directive.
  • Independently provides assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals. This encompasses (but is not limited to) the following environments of care within NWIHCS: Community Living Center, Outpatient Clinics, Acute Inpatient, Amputee Clinic, W/C Seating and Mobility Clinics, Primary Care (PT in Primary Care), Specialty Pain Clinics, Whole Health, etc.
  • Chart review is routinely performed to assess appropriateness of the referral and contraindications for evaluation/treatment. Evaluation includes a medical history, results, and interpretation of the appropriate tests and measurements performed; tests are frequently complex and are adapted as needed due to multiple physical disabilities or present medical condition.
  • Guided by differential and movement diagnoses, the PT performs exams and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors.
  • PTs interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests and, during evaluation, select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. Evaluative data is used to implement a comprehensive patient treatment plan that is based on current research, education, and outcomes data. (Evidence-based care.) A physical therapy prognosis is identified.
  • Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehab intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated. Demonstrates sound knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms needed to make appropriate referrals for further medical attention/assessment.
  • Evaluates the patient's needs for assistive devices and procures these devices from the Prosthetic Department or works with Prosthetics to schedule the patient for the appropriate Prosthetics/Orthotics Clinic for prescription and fabrication.
  • Determine and provide appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function.
  • NWIHCS is one of 18 flagship sites for Whole Health. Physical Therapists within our system will integrate concepts of Whole Health into their plans. This includes incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes, optimize functional independence and actionize concepts of whole person care. To better meet established goals, treatment plans are routinely modified according to evaluative findings found during on-going assessment of the patient's status.
  • Routinely employs unusual motivational techniques to enlist patient participation and adapts equipment/procedures to carry out a full range of complex treatment activities
• Education
  • Provides and documents patient and/or significant other education appropriate to the disability being treated and goals to be achieved.
  • Participates in continuing education programs both on and off station for professional and personal growth. Provides in service training as requested by Manager, PM&RS. Assists in the orientation of new staff members and students.
  • Independently provides clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as PTA students on clinical affiliations.
  • Independently provides clinical oversight to PT students who are in Doctoral PT Programs. NWIHCS is a multi-affiliated organization that offers ongoing clinical opportunities for both PT and OT students.
• Discharge Planning
  • Appropriately plans for discharge and ongoing needs for continuing physical therapy treatment. Coordinates discharge with patient, significant others, and appropriate members of the health care team.
  • Consistently arranges patient's discharge equipment needs prior to discharge. Home program and/or instruction are consistently completed prior to discharge.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, weekend/holiday Acute Care rotation as assigned.

Telework: Not eligible

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs