Physical Therapy Specialist

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Rehabilitation, the Physical therapist has the responsibility and accountability for assessing, planning, evaluating and implementing care for the patients assigned physical therapy. Physical Therapy is responsible for adhering to all standards of Physical Therapy Practice Act as they apply to providing technical therapy care, supplies, equipment and interventions to a designated patient population. According to department’s Scope of Practice, this position requires providing services to the pediatric population as defined by ages 0-18 years of age, in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of the functional/developmental age of the individuals served.

This position may observe Therapy Tech Staff with patient care and supervise License Physical Therapy Assistants per regulatory board standards. This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. It is expected that the associate demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The associate shall support the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini’s strategic plan and the goals and direction of their Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). 

Responsibilities:

Assesses the Physical, Psycho-Social, Spiritual, Cultural, Functional, High Risk and Discharge Needs of the Patient and their Family:

• Completes and documents initial assessment/care within required time frames.
• Performs, reassessments/care at intervals as required or appropriate to the patient’s needs.
• Ensures physical assessment/care includes all major body systems.
• Ensures spiritual assessment/care includes actual/expressed needs.
• Incorporates cultural and ethnic factors into assessment/care.
• Establishes long and short-term goals.
• Timely reporting of weekly progress in interdisciplinary staffing and outcome measures.
• Establishes presence of consent/order prior to treatment/procedure.

Demonstrates the Ability to Accurately Access and Document Staffing, Patient Care Activities and Hospital Processes:

• Uses computer system(s) appropriately.
• Documents in the medical record according to policy/procedure.
• Establishes presence of consent/order prior to treatment/procedure.
• Documents daily and monthly progress notes.
• Turns in daily charge log within 24 hours after treatment.
• Completes documentation of evaluations within 7 days after admit and discharge summary within 7 days of discharge.

Obtains Knowledge of and Demonstrates Compliance with Infection Control Policies and Procedures:

• Practices Standard Precautions in patient care activities.
• Practices appropriate disease specific isolation as required.
• Demonstrates good handwashing
• Complies with the fingernail policy.
• Wears PPE when applicable.

Provides for the Education/Training of the Patient/Family:

• Identifies and documents patient/family educational needs upon initial assessment and thereafter.
• Identifies and documents patient/family educational needs upon initial assessment and thereafter.
• Identifies barriers to learning.
• Provides and documents teaching based on identified needs.
• Teaches at a level of understanding related to the pt/family member’s level of education.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of instruction provided.
• Assessment and teaching that incorporates cultural and ethnic factors.
• Assessment and teaching that incorporates functional needs.

Oversees Patient Care on Basis of Patient Classification and Staff Expertise to Ensure Quality of Care:

• Initiates a developmentally appropriate assessment process with patient and family upon assignment within a prompt, efficient timeframe.
• Demonstrates empathetic and positive attitude when working with patients.
• Conducts chart audits for accuracy and adequate documentation as directed.
• Visits with and interviews patient and communicates with families when present or necessary.
• Re-evaluates and modifies the plan of care, based on the patient’s response to the interventions.
• Ensures proper orientation of new therapy associates.
• Ensures competencies and licensure are current.
• Appropriately coordinates and/or delegates responsibilities to technical support.
• Assist in supervising and monitoring compliance of duties assigned to the techs.
• Takes appropriate action to address patient needs and issues as they arise during the course of care.
• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment in decision-making regarding patient care.

Provides for the Plan for Therapy Care into the Interdisciplinary Care and Management of the Patient/Family:

• Communicates effectively with associates, physicians and allied health team.
• Coordinates therapy care with other disciplines involved.
• Involves other health team members, as necessary.
• Actively participates in 50% of departmental in services and meets with manager for information missed in other meetings as documented on sign in sheet (attendance is for Full Time Associates; Relief Associates may read the minutes of meetings).

Assures the Rights of the Patient/Family are Respected and Maintained:

• Allows for privacy and modesty in the provision of care.
• Identifies self by name and title to patient/family.
• Utilizes AIDET with all patient interactions
• Reports suspected cases of abuse/neglect, if identified.
• Understands role of, and how to access, the Ethics Committee.

Demonstrates Knowledge of Unit Specific Policies and Procedures and the Ability to Safely and Competently use Unti Specific Patient Care Equipment in the Delivery of Quality Patient Care:

• Completes Unit Specific Annual Competency Checklist.
• Obtains necessary training prior to initial equipment use.
• Assures equipment is in operating order prior to use.
• Differentiates between patient complications and equipment malfunction.
• Uses medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s operating guidelines.
• Participates in Performance Improvement Process

Requirements:

Education/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Doctorate degree is preferred.
• English Required, bilingual is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience:

• Pediatric experience is preferred.

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications:

• Current Louisiana PT License is required.
• Current BLS Card is required.

Work Schedule:

8AM - 5PM Monday-Friday

Work Type:

Full Time