Physical Therapist

Overview

The Staff Physical Therapist will be directly involved in patient evaluation, planning, directing and administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician.  The Staff Physical Therapist reports to the Lead Physical Therapist and/or Director of Rehabilitation Services. The Staff Physical Therapist will also assist patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, by providing effective, efficient, and quality care for the patient. The Physical Therapist will coordinate, delegate and supervise assigned supportive staff (PTA, PT Aide).

Evaluates patients by utilizing specialized testing procedures and skills, incorporating data from the medical record and assessing. Manages the plan of care through consultation with MD. Set goals and develops appropriate treatment plans as determined from the outcome of the assessments. Evaluates patient's equipment needs. Incorporates discharge planning into treatment planning. Provides supervision and direction for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Rehab Aide.

Responsibilities

• Plans, manages and coordinates patient evaluations and physical therapy treatment.
  • Evaluates patients referred utilizing specialized testing procedures and skills, incorporating data from the medical record and assessing, as appropriate the patient's range of motion, muscle strength, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory status, skin, coordination, gait, functional and cognitive status, pain and rehabilitation potential.
  • Correlates evaluation data to determine individualized plan of care in order to maximize the patient's rehabilitation potential.
  • Manages the plan of care through:
    • Consultation with referring physician, other team members and outside agencies.
    • Administering treatments as indicated.
    • Delegating routine care to supportive personnel according to their experience and expertise.
    • Maintaining responsibility for the patient and treatment program at all times by regularly overseeing performance of supportive personnel.
    • Recording therapeutic techniques implemented, patient's response progress.
    • In consultation with physician, modifies plan of care as indicated.
  • Incorporates discharge planning into treatment planning from day of admission.
    • Educates patient, family and staff.
    • Evaluates patient's equipment needs.
    • Coordinates with team members.
    • Designs individualized home program.
  • Completes all required documentation, including initial evaluations, progress summaries, patient care plans, M.D.S. forms, patient screenings, case management forms, etc.

• Assists with the orientation and training of staff.
  • Participates in orientation and training of new physical therapy staff.
  • Assists with orientation of temporary physical therapy staff.
  • Participates in training of hospital personnel as requested.
  • Participates in the training of student interns as assigned.

• Complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures in order to meet department, program and hospital goals.
  • Complies with established departmental productivity standard.
  • Plans, organizes and controls time effectively for self and assigned supportive personnel for direct patient care, documentation, record keeping and other job requirements.
  • Participates in departmental CQI program.
  • Serves on program and hospital committees as requested.
  • Coordinates work and services between disciplines and assists in resolution of intra-disciplinary problems.
  • Participates in multi-disciplinary patient care rounds as assigned.
  • Demonstrates flexibility with requests for time off, considering the needs of the department.
  • Consistently arrives to work on time.
  • Does not exceed sick time allowance, as established by policy.
  • Completes time card according to policy.

• Upholds the APTA Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and the state of California Statutes pertaining to physical therapy.
  • Performs ethically at all times.
  • Maintains an acceptable standard of care.

• Performs within the philosophy and organizational structure of the institution, the program and the standards governing the profession.
  • Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth.
    • Independently keeps up-to-date with trends and developments in physical therapy practice, procedures and techniques.
    • Makes recommendations for implementation of improved or new practices and procedures.
    • Presents in service training to department staff as requested.
  • Complies with all safety and infection control standards.
  • Completes assignments independently within the established time frame.
  • Utilizes department equipment supplies and resources in a conscientious and cost effective manner.
  • Participates in achievement of departmental objectives.
  • Maintains cleanliness of immediate work area and shares in maintaining orderliness of department.
  • Shows concern and reports equipment malfunction and general maintenance needs.

• Communicates effectively with all appropriate individuals regarding patients, staff and personal issues.
  • Completes all required written documentation in a thorough, neat and timely manner.
  • Communicates regularly with supportive personnel about patient problems, goals and status changes.
  • Keeps supervisor informed about personal concerns which may affect job performance.
  • Uses appropriate channels of communication.

• Professional Responsibilities
  • Employee has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department on an as-needed basis or as determined by management (ie. acute, sub-acute, pediatrics, outpatients, home health).
  • Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
  • Communicates well with supervisor reporting problems with equipment, supplies, or procedures. Requests assistance as appropriate.
  • Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
  • Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
  • Consistently projects positive professional image through appearance, dress and behavior.
  • Attends 75% of staff meetings and/or reads and initials minutes and routed informational materials.
  • Consistently follows hospital policy regarding breaks, time off, sick time and tardiness.

• Guest/Interdepartmental Relations
  • As observed by representatives of management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
  • Verbal and written feedback from patients, family members/significant others, medical staff, visitors and coworkers indicates behavior conducive to positive guest relations.
  • Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g. answers phones promptly, is courteous and helpful).
  • Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g. assists co-workers when need is observed or upon request, offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
  • Consistently displays a positive and constructive attitude.

• Professional Growth and Development
  • Completes annual safety updates within established time frames.
  • Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
  • Attends 80% of in-service programs.
  • Maintains current licensure/certification as appropriate, ie. PT, CPR.

• Performance Improvement
  • Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other "customers". Errors, inefficiencies and inaccuracies are brought to management's attention with suggestions for improvement. Develops innovative solutions to departmental problems. Identifies and implements methods of controlling costs or generating revenue while providing maximum value to both the patient/customer and the hospital. Maximizes efficiency in all departmental operations. Measures progress against quality goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Graduate of a Physical Therapy Program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Physical Therapy Examining committee of the Board of Medical Quality Assurance of the State of California.
• MS/MA/MPH desirable.
• Minimum Experience: No experience required.
• Required Certification/Registration: Licensed as a Physical Therapist in California, or eligible to take the examination for licensure in the State of California.
• Must maintain current California Physical Therapy license.
• Must maintain current BLS certification.