Physical Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

Evaluates and implements physical therapy for patients with neurological, burn/wound, musculoskeletal injuries, or other acute or chronic physical disabilities. The goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and facilitate independence through physical therapy techniques.

• Evaluate and assess patient abilities and limitations.
• Establish plans of treatment and goals based on referral and evaluation of functional skills, joint mobility, gait, developmental reflexes, muscle strength, tone, coordination, and sensation tests.
• Implement therapy according to the established plan, utilizing appropriate physical therapy procedures, equipment, and techniques.
• Educate patients and/or caregivers regarding evaluation findings, therapy goals, treatment plans, home programs, and injury prevention.
• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of physical therapy modalities.
• Recommend adaptive equipment, complete justification forms, and arrange for equipment delivery.
• Re-evaluate patients, assess progress, and make recommendations regarding discharge.
• Consult and co-treat with other patient care team members to discuss patient progress, set objectives, and integrate physical therapy with other activities.
• Evaluate home or work environments and recommend physical barrier modifications or ergonomic improvements.
• May assist with departmental program development and training physical therapy students.
• May provide in services for PT staff, other employees, and the community.
• Provide documentation of patient care according to established criteria.
• Supervise patient care activities of aides, assistants, attendants, students, and volunteers.
• Participate in hospital and departmental in services, medical conferences, staff meetings, continuing education courses, and team meetings.
• Assist with departmental operations and ordering supplies.
• Work with all age groups of patients, with appropriate knowledge to adjust evaluations and treatments.
• Communicate with physicians.
• Safely operate equipment used in physical therapy job duties.
• Treat patients with respect and dignity, identifying and addressing psychosocial needs of patients and families.
• Ensure patient charges are accurate and entered in a timely manner.
• Participate in and demonstrate good infection control, safety, and ergonomics.
• Recommend process improvements for increased efficiencies.
• Display and promote company values.
• Maintain regular attendance.

• Licensed to practice physical therapy in the State of Iowa.
• Graduate of an APTA accredited college or university with a certificate, master’s degree, or doctorate in physical therapy.

• Current BCLS certification.

• Basic computer skills required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English with strong written and verbal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations professionally.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, and regulatory environment.

• Experience in evaluating and treating patients with neurological, burn/wound, or musculoskeletal injuries, or other acute or chronic physical disabilities is essential.

• Inpatient & Outpatient

• Sitting:
  Approximately < 1 hour per workday.
• Standing:
  Average 7-8 hours per workday.
• Walking:
  Average 6-7 hours per workday.
• Bending/Stooping:
  Frequently (20-30 times/day).
• Squatting:
  Several times per day (20-30 times/day).
• Reaching above shoulder level:
  Frequently (20-30 times/day).
• Heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs):
  As needed, on demand.
• Lifting heavy, awkward weight (up to 100+ lbs):
  As needed, on demand.
• Repetitive fine dexterity (typing, writing, filing):
  Constant (greater than 25 times/hour).