Per Diem Physical Therapist-QHC/ELM

Physical Therapist

Under direct supervision of Chief PT, Assistant Chief PT, Advanced Clinician PT and/or Senior PT provides physical therapy treatment services to hospital patients: evaluates and re-evaluates, writes treatment plans for and treats patients suffering from physical disabilities with goals of restoring function, relieving pain and preventing disability following disease, injury or loss of body part. Goal is to aid patient in reaching his/her maximum performance while learning to live effectively within the limits of capabilities. Teaches and supervises PTA staff, PT/PTA students, rehab aides and volunteers as well as participates in patient's rounds. Completes all medical documents in a timely manner and delivers direct patient care to patients of all age groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Provides physical therapy services: conducts patient diagnostic or prognostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability test to evaluate neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal disorders for purpose of establishing parameters of patient disability and to formulate treatment plans. Uses evaluation to establish written treatment programs based on data for individual patients, including such elements as therapeutic exercise, massage, heat, cold, light and electricity, as prescribed by Physiatrist, and in accordance with section and departmental clinical policies and procedures.

-Deliver Physiatrist/Rehab Physician Assistant's prescriptions by administering treatment to patients to improve or restore functions, relieves pain, and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of body part. Answer bedside rehab consults/referrals directly as appropriate and discussed beforehand with Physiatrist/ Rehab PA.

-Completes all necessary medical documentations in a timely manner for patient records and prepare daily statistics of patient management. Write discharge notes upon completion of treatment plans as required. Attends team conferences and rounds to report patient progress to attending physicians. Collaborates with patients, families, social services, etc. to plan home treatment program which may include follow-up home care.

-Assist in orientation of newly hired physical therapist to the department's policies and procedures and functional operations. Provides clinical oversight and continuous mentoring to staff PTAs, rehab aides and volunteers. Acts and assists in clinical instruction for the student affiliation programs and will assist in completion of student clinical evaluations as required.

-Cover ICU patients on holidays and Saturdays/Sundays on rotations as well as with Joint Replacement program weekly and other special projects in the department (e.g. Stroke Rehab etc.) as assigned and directed by Chief PT.

-Participates in departmental in-service. Participates in special projects as assigned by supervisors. May develop special therapy plans for patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carryout therapeutic regiment.

-Remains informed of current trends in the field by reviewing literature, data and attending conferences or continuing education programs in order to meet CME requirements.

-Performs other job related/non-related functions that may be necessary, as directed, in the direct/indirect patient care category.

-Incumbent work under variety of conditions from pleasant to uncomfortable: most areas are air-conditioned; varying levels of dust and noise. Works basically indoors within hospital grounds but may sometimes treat patients to ambulate outdoors to simulate normal environments of different surfaces.

-Hazardous conditions may exist in some areas where there may be patients who exhibit unstable, violent or aggressive behaviors. Incumbents may be exposed to bio-hazardous substances, such as blood-borne pathogens, through nature of work performed.

Qualifications

-Job requires completion of NYS-approved program for training of physical therapists to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of evaluation and treatments of physical and psycho-social dysfunction, orthotics, prosthetics, anatomy, neurology, physiology and kinesiology at level normally attained via entry level Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy.

-Must have in-patient clinical experience. Must be proficient in acute care evaluations, treatment planning and discharge planning, via employment, preferable in a large-scale healthcare organization. Must exhibit good evaluative/ treatment skills, good knowledge of therapy methods and demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with other interdisciplinary areas.

-Registration required with NYS as a Physical Therapist.

-Basic computer skills required for necessary daily patient documentation but having intermediate/advanced computer skills will be a plus.

-Good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, other health professionals, patients, patients’ families and must be able to communicate effectively when giving preceptorship to students.