Physical Therapist

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Physical Therapist, you will help patients rebuild or maintain their physical wellbeing so they can function at their best level, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. Every day you will perform initial evaluations, develop and update individualized plans of care, and provide a variety of direct treatments. You will be expected to consistently meet patient care productivity standards, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and families, and promote a positive customer service environment. To be successful in this role, you must possess strong age-appropriate competency skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care. Responsibilities Performs evaluations/re-evaluations, discharge summaries progressing patients toward goals and accurately documents results written/electronically on inpatients according to MHB and physical therapy practice standards. Performs appropriate treatment which may include, but not limited to proper use of modalities and therapeutic procedures to maximize functional skills toward independence. Uses equipment specific to age and size of patient. Maintains a safe environment considering the patient's unique circumstances and risk factors related to age, physical limitations and mental status. Uses office or other Rehab equipment effectively & efficiently Appropriate to the needs of the patient, involves patient/family. Obtains patient history, conducts physical assessment, establishes priorities for care. Assesses patient's learning needs, readiness for discharge and ability to manage illness after discharge. Develop/implement care plan and/or discharge plan for each patient, including interpreting physician orders, progress notes. Provide direct patient care, as required. Contact physician with any problems or concerns, as necessary. Report changes in patient's condition to physician. Maintain safe, clean and therapeutic environment for patients. Prepare or assign all required documentation to meet legal requirements and hospital policies and procedures. Maintain appropriate communication with other staff members, patient and family. Appropriately involves all care givers, proactive discharge planning. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: selects appropriate treatment methods which include proper modalities and therapeutic procedures; initiates appropriate referrals; involves the patient in care; evaluates patient outcomes and adjusts the plan of care; participates in quality assessment and improvement initiatives; demonstrates adherence to the Patient's Bill of Rights and facility policies. Meets age-related needs of patient groups served, including pediatrics, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria appropriate to age. Interpersonal/Communication Skills Maintains accurate written/electronic documentation of patients evaluated and treated (e.g., Progress Notes, Daily Treatment Logs, Daily Charge Slips). Assesses patient's ability to manage self-held and/or self-operated equipment. Involves patient/caregivers in care/treatment and procedures as appropriate; explains procedures; provides feedback and further instruction. Provides education to patients/caregivers including explanations and rationale for treatments, tests, equipment and procedures; communicates in age-appropriate language and encourages questions. Communicates patient needs effectively to medical/hospital staff and obtains necessary orders. Participates in in-service and staff development; assists in orienting and supervising other department personnel, interns or volunteers as assigned. Contributes to patient satisfaction initiatives and adheres to performance improvement standards at unit and hospital levels. Professional Development and Ethics Maintains and develops professional Physical Therapy practices; sets personal goals and pursues continued training through CEUs; serves as a resource on policy and procedure. Demonstrates performance consistent with the Patient's Bill of Rights and facility policies; addresses patient needs and maintains privacy and confidentiality; identifies ethical issues and refers to appropriate resources. Demonstrates professional responsibility, promotes teamwork, models constructive behavior, and may supervise others as assigned. Job Requirements Required Entry level accepted; NICU experience or one year pediatric experience preferred. Physical Therapist license in CA, upon hire Basic Life Support (CPR) upon hire Preferred Post-graduate education or certifications in acute care, geriatrics, wound care, orthopaedics, pediatrics, NICU, neurology or related areas; hospital-based acute care experience. Advanced experience with hospital-based clinical software and documentation; multilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish, Tagalog). Where You\'ll Work Mercy Hospitals provide a broad range of medical and surgical services with multiple facilities in Bakersfield, CA; Mercy Hospital Downtown and Mercy Hospital Southwest are part of Dignity Health. Learn more at the Mercy Bakersfield location details. #J-18808-Ljbffr