Physical Therapist

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Reviews all medical records prior to implementing a treatment program.
• Is aware of all medical problems that may interfere with safe patient treatment.
• Determine if there are any contraindications that would preclude treatment.
• Has reviewed physician orders to determine any restrictions in treatment goals desired.

• Thoroughly evaluates all patients to determine patient care plan and outcome goals.
• Patient's evaluation contains all the elements of the criteria established by the Department's Quality Assurance Program.
• Establishes short- and long-term goals for patients as evidenced by the Quality Assurance monitors.
• Informs patients of treatment programs and goals established.
• Realistic time frames are established to meet stated goals.

• Provides safe and appropriate treatment programs to patients receiving PT services.
• Demonstrates appropriate and sage utilization of all modalities when providing treatment program.
• Practices good body mechanics and asks for assistance when necessary for transferring patient to avoid either patient or therapist injury.
• Supervises and guards' patients appropriately to prevent injuries during ambulation and therapeutic activities.

• Prepares medical records which accurately reflect the patient's condition.
• Records accurately and in a timely manner true status of patient according to the policy and procedure of the department.
• Records all chart entries with dates and signatures.
• Record meets the guidelines as established by the Quality Assurance Committee.

• Provides appropriate patient and/or family education prior to discharge from program.
• Provides education to the patient and family to manage problems when discharged from program.
• Recommends follow-up if patient is unable to manage problems at home.
• Informs physician of potential unsafe discharges.
• Instructs family, makes appropriate referrals to social worker, Public Health and Nursing when necessary.

• Informs the physician via the medical record of patient's status and recommends appropriate changes in program in order to meet the discharge needs of the patient.
• Makes recommendations for treatment and keeps nursing informed of patient's capabilities.
• Prepares patient and family with information skills they need to provide smooth discharge process.

• Provides appropriate supervision to provide learning environment for physical therapy interns.
• Ensures student interns are competent to provide tasks assigned.
• Observes students providing treatment program. Assures that they are provided safely before allowing student to provide care independently.
• Co-signs all notes to ensure that they meet the department standards.
• Accurately documents student's midterm and final evaluation in accordance with the contract arrangements with the affiliating colleges.

• Obtains ongoing clinical education to remain current in clinical knowledge.
• Attends continuing education programs that are relevant to the profession and maintains the appropriate CEUs mandated for licensure.
• Reads pertinent journals to remain abreast of new information.
• Attends mandatory continuing education to remain abreast of current policies and procedures mandated by the Hospital.

• Participates in the department Quality Assurance Program.
• Timely reviews quality assurance monitors and interacts in a professional manner with the therapist being audited.
• Makes recommendations for continually improving the physical therapy care being rendered by this facility.

Job Requirements:

• S., M.S., or DPT in physical therapy, NYS licensure.

• Ability to initiate a physical therapy care plan and program and establish short term and long-term goals for the individual.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be competent and caring for assessment and treatment of patients of all ages.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Preferred

Licenses & Certifications

Required PT