Physical Therapist (PT) Hospital Setting

Physical Therapist Position

Under general direction, develops and implements physical therapy treatment programs in the treatment of neonatal through geriatric patients. Plans treatment programs designed to relieve pain, improve function, and return to maximum level of performance based on individual patient needs identified by thorough evaluation. Provides instruction to patients, families, and caregivers. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team. Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient centered care.

Unit Specific Position Responsibilities

• Performs thorough biomechanical evaluations. Integrates and interprets evaluation findings and history. This evaluation may be administered independently or under referral from a physician or dentist.
• Develops and administers individual treatment plans for physical rehabilitation.
• Designs home treatment programs, counsels and educates patient, family, and/or caregiver on care and home treatment programs. May contact physical therapists at other facilities to report patient's status and progress at the time of discharge.
• Develops thorough documentation of initial patient evaluations, daily interim reports, discharge summaries, staffing reports, home exercise programs and reports to physicians.
• Makes recommendations for new equipment, assists in new program development, coordination and implementation.
• Makes recommendations and assists in and/or performs fitting of adaptive equipment and orthopedic appliances.
• Cleans, maintains, prepares, adjusts and operates physical therapy and rehabilitation equipment.
• Collaborates with the Medical Staff, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Social Services and other health care personnel in coordinating overall patient care program and schedules.
• Supervises activities and directs physical therapy assistants, technicians, and aides in patient care programs.
• Consistent with the Iowa Administrative Rules for Licensure of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants [Chapter 200.6 (6)] participates in care with direct patient contact as follows:
• Hospital, Skilled Nursing, and Nursing Home: Minimum of once per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday)
• Outpatient: every 8 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first
• Serves as clinical instructor for physical therapy students.
• Positively presents the profession of Physical Therapy to volunteers and other student personnel.
• Conducts educational and/or in-service training programs for patients, department staff, physicians, related health care team members and community groups.

Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):

• Graduation from a college or university with either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Therapy, Master's degree in Physical Therapy, Post-graduate certificate in Physical Therapy, or Doctor of Physical Therapy.
• Possession of license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

Organizational Requirements:

• Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• APTA Board Specialist Certification

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of physical therapy theory, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, physics, physiology, neurophysiology, exercise physiology, human development, statistics, learning and human behavior. Knowledge of physical therapy equipment, counseling techniques, and medical record and report preparation and maintenance.
• Ability to perform professional physical therapy techniques, treatments; to calibrate and operate physical therapy and orthopedic equipment.
• Ability to counsel patient and family, conduct nerve and muscle tests, create appliances and splints, collaborate with health care and social service personnel, recognize and record patient progress, prepare and maintain medical records and reports, orient and instruct patient and health care personnel.
• Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for neonatal through geriatric patients.
• Skill in providing professional physical therapy services and treatments including the use of good communication techniques, teaching precepts and complex problem-solving.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication in English.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Dependent upon specific position needs (i.e. aquatic therapy, manual therapy, pediatrics, vestibular rehabilitation, women's health, etc.)