Physical Therapist Southwest Tower

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Physical Therapist, you will help patients rebuild or maintain their physical wellbeing so they can function at their best level, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. Every day you will perform initial evaluations, develop and update individualized plans of care, and provide a variety of direct treatments. You will be expected to consistently meet patient care productivity standards, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and families, and promote a positive customer service environment. To be successful in this role, you must possess strong age‑appropriate competency skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative, patient‑centered approach to care. Clinical/Technical Skills Perform evaluations/re‑evaluations, discharge summaries, and progress documentation written or electronically on inpatients according to MHB and physical therapy practice standards. Provide appropriate treatments which may include modalities and therapeutic procedures to maximize functional independence. Use equipment specific to age and size of patient. Maintain a safe environment considering the patient's unique circumstances and risk factors related to age, physical limitations, and mental status. Use office or other rehab equipment effectively and efficiently. Involve patient/family when appropriate, obtain patient history, conduct physical assessment, and establish priorities for care. Develop and implement care or discharge plans for each patient, including interpreting physician orders and progress notes. Provide direct patient care as required. Contact physician with any problems or concerns and report changes in the patient's condition. Prepare or assign all required documentation to meet legal requirements and hospital policies and procedures. Maintain communication with staff, patients, and family members, answer questions, discuss patient care, and provide emotional support. Critical Thinking / Problem Solving Select appropriate treatment methods including modalities and therapeutic procedures. Recognize patient concerns about how medical conditions may impact socioeconomic situations. Initiate appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team as needed. Involve the patient in care, treatments, and procedures as appropriate to condition and situation. Evaluate patient outcomes and adjust the plan of care accordingly. Participate in assessing the quality of patient care on the assigned unit, collecting data, and monitoring compliance for new implementations. Demonstrate performance consistent with the Patient's Bill of Rights and facility policies. Address all physical, emotional, spiritual, and psycho/social needs, promote rights, maintain privacy, and refer to appropriate resources. Meet age‑related needs of patient groups served, demonstrating knowledge and skills for pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Interpersonal / Communication Skills Maintain accurate written/electronic documentation records, including progress notes, daily treatment logs, and daily charge slips. Assess patient's ability to manage self‑held or self‑operated equipment. Involve patient or caregivers in care and procedures, explain procedures before starting, observe care given, provide feedback, and give instruction. Provide education to patients and caregivers, explaining rationale for treatments, tests, equipment, and procedures in language appropriate to age and encouraging questions. Communicate patient needs effectively to medical/hospital staff and obtain all necessary orders. Participate in in‑service and staff development. Assist in orienting and supervising interns or volunteers as assigned. Participate in patient satisfaction initiatives, such as rounding and service recovery. Adhere to performance improvement standards and continue enhancing care within the organization. Act as a professional role model, promote teamwork, maintain a positive work environment, and participate in problem‑solving committees. Professional Development Maintain and develop professional physical therapy practices. Set personal goals annually and pursue continued training and CEU’s. Serve as a resource for co‑workers regarding policy and procedure. Attend at least 50% of staff meetings and all mandatory services. Maintain skill set specific to patient population needs and follow policies regarding attendance, dress code, and time use. Legal, Moral and Ethical Parameters Demonstrate performance consistent with the Patient's Bill of Rights and facility policies. Address all physical, emotional, spiritual, and psycho/social needs, maintain privacy, and refer ethical issues to appropriate resources. Complete other duties as assigned. Job Requirements Required Entry level accepted. Individuals working in the NICU, one year pediatric experience required. Physical Therapist license in California upon hire. Basic Life Support – CPR upon hire (must be through the American Heart Association). Preferred Completed post‑graduate education or certification/CEU’s in acute care, geriatrics, wound care, orthopaedics, pediatrics, NICU, neurology, or other clinically relevant coursework or seminars. One year hospital‑based acute care practice experience. Advanced experience with computer software programs and clinical documentation in hospital‑based practice. Multilingual skills, e.g., Spanish, Tagalog. Where You'll Work Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospitals have a history of caring for the community. Mercy Hospital Downtown is a 194‑bed facility located in downtown Bakersfield. Mercy Hospital Southwest is a 78‑bed facility in the rapidly growing area west of Highway 99. #J-18808-Ljbffr