Physical Therapist - Acute Care (Part Time, Bethlehem)

Acute Care Physical Therapist

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

The Acute Care Physical Therapist evaluates plans and administers physical therapy treatment programs for referred patients, acute care setting, to restore function, give pain relief and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of body part. Patient responsibilities include care provision for the patients below. Pediatric (2 months 12 years), Adolescent (13-17 years), Adult (18-65 years), Geriatric (66+ years).

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs and documents initial patient evaluations thoroughly and accurately in a timely fashion.
• Establishes realistic, attainable short-term and long-term goals with each patient.
• Performs therapeutic exercises effectively and appropriately.
• Implements, and revises as necessary, effective progressive treatment programs taking evaluative findings into consideration.
• Administers therapeutic modalities and programs appropriately and effectively, including hot/cold pack, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, whirlpool and wound care.
• Fits assistive, prosthetic and orthotic devices and provides appropriate training.
• Performs appropriate discharge planning, instructs patients and family member(s) in home programs.
• Documents accurately, in a timely manner, including initial evaluation, progress notes and discharge summaries.
• Provides on-premises supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants and aides.
• Assists in orienting new staff Physical Therapists.
• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment and knowledge of growth and development appropriate to the age of the patient treated (neonate, pediatric, adolescent or geriatric).
• May supervise PT and PTA students and observers as assigned.
• Assists in developing and implementing department programs, may participate with quality improvement committees and initiatives.
• Accurately bills patient's accounts for services rendered.
• Accepts responsibility of scheduling patients.
• Attends multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and stand and/or ambulate intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, and reach, including occasional overhead reaching, consistent with inpatient patient care activities.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for fine motor tasks, including operation of medical equipment, patient care devices, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to assist with patient positioning, transfers, and mobility using approved safe patient handling and mobility equipment and team?based techniques in accordance with organizational policy.
• Ability to push and pull equipment and patient support devices, utilizing mechanical assistance when indicated.
• Manual patient lifting is minimized and avoided whenever possible; patient handling is performed using mechanical aids or team assistance, except in unanticipated or emergency situations requiring immediate action.
• Ability to perceive tactile cues necessary for safe patient care.
• Ability to hear and see adequately to communicate, respond to alarms or call bells, and safely navigate the clinical environment.

Education:

Current Physical Therapist license in the State of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, based on work location required. The Physical Therapist shall work within the practice guidelines as defined by Pennsylvania or New Jersey state law (based upon work location). Doctorate Degree preferred.

Training and Experience:

Current CPR certification. Successful completion of required affiliations and/or CEU's to maintain licensure.

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.