Physical Therapist

Staff Physical Therapist

Under the general supervision of the Chief Physical Therapist the staff Physical Therapist assumes responsibility and accountability for a designated group of patients and provides physical therapy evaluations, modalities, and treatments in accordance with established hospital, joint commission and departmental policies and procedures, maintaining the highest degree of quality patient care. The staff Physical Therapist also assumes responsibility and accountability for the care of those patients being treated by Physical Therapist Assistants and may be assigned to orient staff and students and to assume the duties and responsibilities of the supervisor in the absence of that individual.

Position Responsibilities/Duties

• Accurately assesses patients' needs.
• Identifies and initiates appropriate physical therapy interventions; provides patient and family teaching.
• Works cooperatively with other patient team personnel in maintaining standards for professional physical therapy practice and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Performs functions according to hospital policy in accordance with the mission and vision of the hospital and consistent with the philosophy of the department.
• Participates in performance improvement and program development activities.
• Contributing to cost effectiveness of services and programs provided by the department.
• Communicates the employee's observations and suggestions related to opportunities for improvement.
• Maintains positive relations with all customers.
• Provides patient care services to patients of all ages from neonate to geriatric including.
• Performs patient assessment.
• Establishes plan of care.
• Assesses the effectiveness of treatment and modifies treatment to achieve goals.
• Provides care in accordance with physician's orders and established plan of care.
• Assesses educational needs of the patient, family, caregiver or significant other and provides required education.
• Communicates with patient, family, caregivers, significant other, and members of the healthcare team to promote maximum benefit of care.
• Performs other work related duties.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a degree from accredited institution in Physical Therapy
• Must possess current Virgin Islands Licensure as a Physical Therapy
• Must possess and demonstrate a high degree of leadership, organizational ability, and communication skills.
• Current BLS certification is required, ACLS preferred.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations that apply to the practice of Physical Therapist in an inpatient care setting.
• Therapeutic exercise and modality devices including but not limited to: electronic equipment, exercise equipment, hydrotherapy equipment, electrical lifts, ambulation devices, wheelchairs, stretchers, medical monitoring devices, computer, telephone, and dictation equipment.
• Demonstrates an understanding of treatment costs and financial support as they relate to quality and efficiency.
• Knowledge of hospital/departmental policies and procedures, emergency protocols, Joint Commission, Center for Medicare and Medicaid services and all other local and federal regulatory standards
• Ability to make presentations before management, public groups, and staff.
• Knowledge of analytical and grammatical skills necessary to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Ability to (or possess the skill level to gain ability to) define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; also apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Familiarity with spreadsheet and overall computer skills.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of other professionals and staff engaged in the delivery of health care services.
• Ability to gain the confidence and respect of the public to be served.
• Ability to work well independently including without administrative support when required.
• Organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills are essential.
• Ability to work in a highly visible position undergoing significant changes with multiple constituents, each with demands exceeding resources.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team and be available.
• Ability to recognize and maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Work in a climate-controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy. Employee will work in an office and throughout the building daily. Has Category 1 risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in hand hygiene practices, Universal Precautions and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated; is subject to interruptions and noise daily.

Physical Demands

Good general health and stress coping ability. Full mobility and ability to participate in vigorous activity. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with all constituents (patients, families, peers, and other healthcare team members) as needed for assessment, intervention, and professional development. Possess near vision acuity for accurate reading of equipment and recording on patient charts. Must be physically able to lift, support, and move patients. The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.