Physical Therapist (ICU Program Coordinator)

Physical Therapist ICU Early Mobility Program Coordinator

The Physical Therapist ICU Early Mobility Program Coordinator provides PT services to veterans admitted to the ICU in accordance with Rehabilitation Section policies and procedures, APTA, PT Board of California guidelines and VA regulations governing the practice of physical therapy. Provides services to veterans who may have undergone surgery and/or have multiple interacting acute and chronic medical conditions. Applies advanced knowledge of contemporary physical therapy as it relates to early mobility in the ICU setting and treating critically ill patients. Incumbent will spend at least 66% of the time performing higher level duties consisting of substantial scope, complexity, and variety. This includes serving as a subject matter expert for the A-F (Liberation) Bundle and coordinating implementation of the "E" component (Early Mobility) within the ICU team. The incumbent also participates in gathering and reviewing quality-improvement (QI) data to identify trends and support program improvement.

A. Clinical

• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment with consideration for local Scope of Practice guidelines including ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services.
• Attends multidisciplinary team huddles/rounds to discuss patients currently admitted to the ICU and readiness for early mobility and physical therapy consultation. Applies specialized screening tools to identify precautions and contraindication for early mobility as well as to recommend appropriate early mobilization equipment.
• Develops protocols and treatment plans that take into account the effects of ICU acquired weakness due to prolonged bedrest and aim to minimize the effects of ICU syndrome which contribute to increased ventilator days and/or impaired cognitive status.
• Performs comprehensive evaluations using standard/nonstandard methods for evaluating patients post operatively and/or with critical medical illness, with an emphasis on assessing patients' functional status. Evaluations are conducted independently, and results are documented according to Departmental and Medical Center standards.
• Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation.
• Meets departmental productivity standards as outlined in GS13 - Performance Standards.

B. Educational

• Serves as consultant within the ICU as a subject matter expert in rehabilitation and early mobility for critically ill patients; coordinates interdisciplinary efforts to facilitate early mobility for all patients, and growing and sustaining an effective Early Mobility Program.
• Develops rehab staff competencies that include the safe management of common ICU medical lines and tubes, education regarding the benefits of early mobility in critically ill patients, the effects of ICU acquired weakness and neuromuscular weakness due to prolonged bedrest, and safe use of specialized mobilization equipment.
• Applies advanced knowledge of physical therapy with respect to early mobility of critically ill patients to provide clinical guidance, training and education to MC staff and the VHA PT community at large.
• Investigate current clinical practice guidelines, concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews and study of current research with an emphasis on issues related to early mobility with critical ill patients in the ICU setting. Applies evidence-based treatment approaches to clinical practice. Regularly attends continuing education courses, conferences and in-services in the professional community and within the VA.
• Provides continuing education in the form of in-services and clinical training programs to rehabilitation and ICU staff on the subject matter of rehabilitation in the critical care setting.

C. Administrative

• Regularly attends ICU multidisciplinary rounds to discuss and update team on patient progress or readiness for physical therapy.
• Monitors and tracks data pertaining to ICU Early Mobility Program of the E portion of the ABCDEF bundle. Uses resources effectively, evaluates program quality and generates reports for local, VISN and/or VACO stakeholders.
• Participates in PT and ICU quality improvement programs by regularly contributing to the monitoring of important aspects of patient care and formal Quality Improvement activities.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm or as determined by supervisor. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 05722-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized