Physical Therapist (Inpatient)

Physical Therapist (Inpatient)

About Us

We are dedicated to providing quality healthcare and advancing health equity. Our Chicago location is building a full-service community hospital in the Bronzeville area to expand services and meet community needs. We are a growing team committed to delivering compassionate, expert care.

Role Overview

Under the administrative direction of Rehab Services and Occupational Medicine and the direct supervision of the Physical Therapy Supervisor, the Physical Therapist provides age-appropriate care for children (ages 8–18), adults (ages 19–60), and geriatric adults (ages 61 and older). The role includes community education on physical therapy topics, educating hospital personnel, and collaborating with Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and other department staff. The Physical Therapist performs all duties confidentially and in accordance with the hospital’s mission and values, focusing on high-quality care and service.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Evaluation and Planning

• Interpret physician referrals and identify precautions and contraindications.
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare staff, providing expertise on physical therapy treatment approaches.
• Obtain relevant patient information from charts and patients.
• Consult with physicians, nurses, and supervisors as needed.
• Select and use appropriate evaluation procedures.
• Assess patients’ mental, emotional, and cognitive status, and gather subjective information.
• Set and document measurable short- and long-term goals.
• Supervise and review evaluations performed by PTAs.
• Identify and document precautions, problems, contraindications, goals, and re-evaluation plans.
• Re-evaluate patients and modify plans of care as needed.

Treatment Implementation

• Review charts and patient information before each session.
• Seek guidance and incorporate relevant information into treatment sessions.
• Plan treatment programs based on evaluation results.
• Progress treatment promptly and serve as a resource for PTAs.
• Evaluate patient responses and revise goals and treatment as appropriate.
• Recognize and report abnormal physiological and psychological changes.
• Seek guidance when situations are unclear.
• Instruct patients, healthcare providers, and families.
• Involve patients and families in treatment planning and discharge.
• Recommend durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices.
• Use appropriate modalities, therapeutic exercise, and mobilization.
• Explain the rationale for selected procedures.
• Participate in patient care conferences, team conferences, clinics, and rounds.
• Provide concise verbal reports on patient status.
• Follow safety, infection-control, and emergency procedures.

Administrative and Organizational Duties

• Maintain thorough knowledge of policies and procedures.
• Organize schedules to reflect a “Patients 1st” philosophy.
• Manage a patient load that meets unit productivity standards.
• Prepare appropriate written communications, including evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Maintain timely and accurate department records.
• Inform the supervisor promptly if documentation falls behind.
• Complete variance reports with assistance.

Performance Improvement

• Review clinical procedures, protocols, and forms.
• Recommend changes as appropriate.
• Complete clinical competencies.
• Participate in quality improvement teams as needed.

Departmental Administration

• Attend unit and departmental meetings.
• Recommend equipment needs and provide supporting information.
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately to support personnel and PTAs.
• Inform the supervisor of significant developments, including patient or physician concerns, equipment issues, and incidents.
• Represent the department on patient care teams.
• Ensure department equipment is in working condition and meets safety standards.
• Report defective equipment and initiate work orders.
• Use hospital equipment and supplies cost-effectively.
• Maintain a clean work environment.

Educational Responsibilities

• Identify personal learning needs and seek educational opportunities.
• Attend hospital orientation and departmental training.
• Meet documentation standards for in-service training and continuing education.
• Complete at least 20 hours of continuing education per year.
• Stay current on physical therapy issues through journals, research, and APTA activities.
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• Participate in patient or community education programs.

Communication Skills

Verbal Communication

• Establish rapport with patients and families.
• Explain therapy interventions and answer questions.
• Give, receive, and confirm information clearly and concisely.
• Recognize and adapt to nonverbal communication.
• Manage emotional reactions to challenging patient behaviors.
• Maintain professional boundaries while showing compassion and concern.
• Display courtesy and respect.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Remain open to different points of view.
• Work toward positive outcomes when resolving conflicts.

Written Communication

• Ensure written communications are legible, concise, accurate, and appropriate for the reader.

Job Details

• Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Positions: 1 full-time position
• Experience: 2–20 years