Physical Therapist - Per Diem

Responsibilities Provides skilled physical therapy evaluations and treatment for acute care, medical/surgical, Swing Bed, observation, and emergency department patients as appropriate. Primarily provides Saturday coverage, ensuring continuity of care for hospitalized patients and completion of weekend evaluations and treatments. Prioritizes patient caseload based on medical necessity, physician orders, discharge needs, and rehabilitation potential. Performs comprehensive functional mobility assessments including transfers, gait, balance, strength, endurance, fall risk, and equipment needs. Develops individualized treatment plans and establishes appropriate short- and long-term functional goals. Provides evidence-based interventions including therapeutic exercise, gait training, transfer training, balance activities, neuromuscular re-education, functional mobility training, and patient/caregiver education. Recommends appropriate assistive devices, durable medical equipment, and discharge equipment to facilitate safe mobility. Collaborates with physicians, nursing, case management, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and other disciplines regarding patient progress, discharge recommendations, and ongoing rehabilitation needs. Assists with discharge planning by making recommendations regarding home discharge, home health services, outpatient therapy, skilled nursing facility placement, Swing Bed admission, or inpatient rehabilitation as appropriate. Completes timely, accurate, and compliant documentation within the electronic medical record. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and communicates changes in patient status or mobility recommendations. Educates patients, families, and caregivers regarding mobility, fall prevention, precautions, home exercise programs, and safe discharge planning. Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing patient volumes, urgent therapy consults, and emergency department evaluations. Assists with weekend coverage needs to minimize delays in patient progression and discharge. Maintains competency in safe patient handling procedures and utilizes appropriate lift equipment. Participates in departmental quality improvement initiatives and maintains compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Maintains current professional licensure and continuing education requirements. Job Requirements Master's, or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Current New York State Physical Therapist license. Current BLS certification or ability to obtain upon hire. Experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or Swing Bed rehabilitation preferred. Ability to independently evaluate, develop, and implement individualized plans of care. Strong clinical decision-making skills and ability to prioritize multiple patients based on medical acuity and discharge needs. Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision during weekend coverage. Proficiency or willingness to learn hospital electronic medical record systems. #J-18808-Ljbffr