Physical Therapist

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist evaluates, treats and creates an appropriate plan of care (POC) for the post-surgical orthopaedic patient; administers treatment based on approved physician orthopaedic protocols and patient tolerance in the acute care setting; sets the frequency and duration for the POC; monitors patient's progress, directs Physical Therapist Assistants; and consults with physicians, nursing team, case management and all other acute care interdisciplinary team; provides patient and family education; maintains records and processes appropriate charges.  Administers various physical therapy treatments to patients based on physician orders; assists in keeping patient related records and preparing reports.

Essential Job Functions/Accountabilities

Evaluates/re-evaluates patient's functional ability and physical status consistent with patient diagnosis/surgical procedure and physician referral; Develops plan of care and measurable goals consistent with evaluation findings and physician referral.  Establishes treatment frequency, duration and Rehab potential.  Alters, revises, or discontinues therapy according to patient response.

Administers therapeutic treatment efficiently and competently; Selects and obtains equipment for safe return to patient home;  Demonstrates Competence in the use of TAG Safe Patient Handling Equipment in order to challenge and progress the patient in their rehabilitation program;  Instructs patient and care giver (or coach) in usage and care of equipment and home exercise program;  Completes all necessary paperwork for same; Instructs patient and care giver in activities and therapeutic exercises necessary for post-hospital care; Evaluates all needs for home, including but not limited to: Occupational Therapy, Homecare, SNF, Inpatient Rehab placements or Outpatient physical therapy and makes appropriate recommendations for same.

Documents patient evaluation, treatment program, progress and discharge summary in medical record in established time frame per department Policy and Procedure. Uses appropriate forms, terminology and abbreviations; accrues charges consistent with Physical Therapy services rendered in order to ensure accurate correlation between work performed and billable service. Shows flexibility/adaptability in meeting environmental constraints and demands placed on services as is common with changing reimbursement and managed care targets; Demonstrates effective time management with daily schedule, individual treatment sessions, and non-patient care time.

Consults with physician, other health care professionals, certifying agencies and reimbursement sources regarding patient status and progress. Prepares timely and accurate report to physicians; Communicates successfully with department director, co-workers, patients, physicians, case management and external publics through verbal, non-verbal and written communications; Communicates work related concerns to appropriate individual in an effective and timely manner. Consults with Sr. Therapist when unable to meet departmental expectations.

Participates in educational sessions for the medical staff and other disciplines to promote understanding and optimal use of physical therapy facilities and treatment programs; participates as clinical instructor for student affiliates.

Assists with supervision of training, work assignments, and performance appraisals of peers; Assists with daily departmental operations (i.e., scheduling, budgetary process, coordination of patient care, customer satisfaction, and human resource issues); Utilizes and supervises Physical Therapist Assistant and support staff effectively to ensure follow-thru of developed patient plan of care in accordance to department expectations, work setting and patient load. Participates in quality improvement program. Provides input in Policy and Procedure development and revisions to positively impact service outcomes and delivery cost.

All other duties not specifically assigned.

Position Requirements

Education: Doctorate or Master's Degree in Physical Therapy or Bachelor's Degree and certificate in Physical Therapy.

Experience: Minimum Three (3) to Five (5) years of demonstrated experience in field or profession preferred.

Technical Skills: Successful verbal and written communication skills required for customer relations.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Current License issued by the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Athletic Trainers Board to practice Physical Therapy in the State of Ohio. BLS required.