Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

Evaluation and treatment of functional deficits or problems due to illness, injury, musculoskeletal dysfunction, or birth defect. Can work independently or under orders of physician/licensed independent practitioners. Works with individuals birth thru geriatrics. Works in outpatient, acute care and post-acute care settings. Development and implementation of treatment programs. Delegation to and supervision of PTAs and support staff. Patient, family, and community education. Documentation of the above. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Assesses patients to determine their needs, age related problems, strengths and rehabilitation potential. This includes periodic reassessment.
2. Plans individualized treatment program, based on assessment results, physician's order, and clinical judgment.
3. Documents all necessary information in the patient's medical record.
4. Delegates treatment tasks to others as appropriate (PTAs, students, technicians) and monitors application and results of treatment. The PT is legally responsible for supervising all treatment delegated to non-PTs.
5. Coordinates services and treatment plan with patient, family, and other disciplines.
6. Serves as Clinical Instructor or mentor, when requested, for PT and PTA students.
7. Teaches patient and family regarding disease or injury, treatment plan, self-help measures, and preventive care.
8. Treats patients according to the assessment results and treatment plan established, and using treatment modalities and techniques appropriate to the patient's age, diagnosis, condition, and physical.
9. Provides education to other departments and to the public, when requested, in the form of in-services, lectures, or classes.
10. Demonstrates job related aspects of patent safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
11. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.
12. Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports hospital's mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, corporate compliance plan, customer service.

Departmental And Additional Job Responsibilities

1. Assists with other department needs such as cleaning or answering telephones.
2. Assists other staff with treatments as necessary.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Education

1. Graduate from an accredited university with a degree in physical therapy at the bachelor's, master's or doctorate level. The candidate's educational degree must meet the specific educational requirements to qualify for state of Michigan licensure dependent upon their year of graduation.
2. Eligible for licensure in the state of Michigan.

Experience

1. Successful completion of all field work placements.
2. Demonstrated competency in physical therapy principles/techniques.
3. Field experience in physical therapy.

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Essential Technical Abilities

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

Essential Mental Abilities

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in a fast paced quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules, and laws.
3. Ability to interpret assessment results, follows the developed treatment plan, and evaluates patient's response to treatment.
4. Sufficient clinical knowledge of physical therapy principles to work autonomously. Able to provide supervision to the physical therapist assistants and ATC's (on-site or by telecommunications).

Essential Sensory Requirements:

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
3. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively (writing and verbally) with patients, families, and staff. Ability to access patient records.
4. Tactile/proprioceptive skills sufficient for effective palpation and examination of patients.
5. Ability to visually and auditory monitor treatment and patient's response to treatment.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.