Physical Therapist

Statement of Purpose: This is a professional position involving responsibility for evaluating, planning and providing physical therapy treatment to patients in accordance with written prescription or referral from a physician.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Evaluates the degree of function and disability of patients unless contraindicated by his/her professional judgment or physician's admission note.
2. Performs physical therapy procedures upon the written order of referral of a licensed physician.
3. Participates with other personnel in the formulation of patient's total care plans.
4. Participates in the selection of personnel in the physical therapy services, assigns their duties and provides supervision.
5. Develops or assists in the development of physical therapy policies and procedures.
6. Confers periodically with supervising physical therapists and physicians regarding all facets of patient care and related activities.
7. Assists in the development of, instructions and participates in the facility inservice education program.
8. Records on patient charts all physical therapy evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, discharge summaries, home exercise programs and A&P of their diagnosis.
9. The PT staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the Rehab areas/department's policies and procedures.
10. Continuously involved in professional growth and development: Examples of this include, but not limited to current reading in literatures periodicals etc., inservice attendance, professional origination involvement.
11. Opportunities for pelvic floor, aquatic and pediatric training.
12. Maintains a clean, safe and orderly work area.
13. After 1-year experience, therapist may become a clinical instructor (CI) for PT, PTA students.
14. When Staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate shift or be scheduled to work on an on-call basis. Employees scheduled on call must report within 30 minutes of receiving a call.

DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS:

1. Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:

a) Considering first the well-being of the patient.

b) Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers or any other individuals in a courteous, honest and respectful manner.

c) Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times.

d) Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral or behavioral.

1. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and in-service programs. Meets mandatory inservice requirements.
2. Arrives for work on time and as scheduled.
3. Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety.
4. Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
5. May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotion and health fair activities.
6. Performs other duties as requested within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies.
7. All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality.
8. All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital

EDUCATION : BS degree in Physical Therapy or equivalent, and eligibility for or possession of a New York State License as Physical Therapist. BLS/CPR preferred.

EXPERIENCE : Three months.

CONTACTS : Frequent contacts with patients and their families, with department personnel and hospital personnel, and with physicians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : A Physical Therapist requires a superior knowledge of body mechanics due to the many physically debilitated types of patients encountered that require manual assistance with transfers and gait. The Physical Therapist must also have good strength and not suffer from a history of low back strain, shoulder and knee dislocations or strain, or any other degenerative pathology that would cause physical compromise.
WORKING CONDITIONS : Normal may be required to use isolation techniques. May be exposed to blood and body fluids.