Physical Therapist (Inpatient), per diem

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services, the Physical Therapist II conducts comprehensive assessments of inpatients with physical and functional deficits, planning and implementing physical therapy treatments to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, prevent permanent disability and restore independence using various treatment techniques. The therapist collaborates with other disciplines to arrange appropriate follow‑up care and facilitates a successful return to home and work environments.

The role also provides student training according to departmental guidelines and participates in continuing education. A minimum of 3 years’ experience as a licensed physical therapist is required; preferred is 1 year of experience in acute care, especially ICU.

• Respond to all consults in assigned area within 24 hours; complete evaluation and documentation within 24 hours of consult (IP).
• Review patient records, gather necessary information, and obtain a physician’s order prior to assessing the patient.
• Select evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations.
• Administer evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including range of motion, manual muscle testing, mobility, air entry and breath sounds); adapt evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients.
• Interpret evaluation results, develop an integrated diagnostic impression, and make recommendations.
• Perform re‑evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient’s status or response to treatment.
• Educate patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations.

Establishes treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third‑party reimbursement requirements.

• Formulate treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient’s unique psychological and functional deficits.
• Establish measurable and attainable short‑ and long‑term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver.
• Modify goals as warranted by changes in patient’s status.
• Assess discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to insurance issues, equipment needs, follow‑up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.
• Communicate patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed and arrange for appropriate follow‑up.

Implements comprehensive individual and group treatment and consistently demonstrates clinical competence.

• Establish treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients.
• Use creative treatment approaches and explore alternative solutions to individual patient problems.
• Demonstrate clinical problem‑solving skills with a variety of patient problems and substantiate actions taken.
• Progress patient treatment programs appropriately and terminate them as warranted by patient’s progress and condition.
• Recommend and/or issue appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring proper fit for the patient.
• Develop and instruct patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provide verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.
• Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
• Demonstrate ability to engage patients in treatment, provide reinforcement and support; set limits appropriately.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.
• Notify supervisor/manager when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seek assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
• Adhere to diagnosis‑related precautions. Demonstrate good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.
• Monitor clinical supplies on assigned floors, requesting replacements in a timely manner.

Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and standards.

• Complete documentation accurately, thoroughly, and timely according…