Physical Therapist PT

Essential Functions

Physical Therapists provide care to patients based on the application of scientific physical therapy principles. Responsibilities of the Physical Therapist include (but are not limited to):

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct physical therapy services and programs in accordance with current regulations and guidelines governing the skilled nursing facility.
• Assume responsibility for the assessment of patients appropriate to the age of the patient.
• Assume responsibility for the care of patients appropriate to the age of the patient.
• Maintain and complete accurate documentation, department records and reports.
• Contribute to the daily management of patient care and rehabilitation personnel.
• Maintain commitment to professional growth and competency.
• Operate and maintain equipment and environment in a safe and orderly manner.
• Contribute to the philosophy of quality care and human dignity at the facility.
• Contribute to the effective operation of the facility by demonstrating dependability in job performance.
• Maintain an efficiency standard of 75% weekly to meet expected facility benchmarks.
• Assume responsibility, authority and accountability of directing the physical therapy assistant.
• Perform evaluations/screens in a timely and efficient manner.
• Complete documentation in a timely manner in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintain appropriate continuing education credits in accordance with state regulations.
• Maintain a positive work environment for residents and coworkers.
• Plan and administer medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases to restore function, relieve pain and prevent disability.
• Review physician's referral and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required.
• Test and measure patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and record findings to develop or revise treatment programs.
• Plan and prepare written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.
• Administer manual exercises to improve and maintain function.
• Instruct, motivate and assist patient to perform various physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and use of assistive and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Administer treatments involving the application of physical agents, using equipment such as hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.
• Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum.
• Administer massage.
• Administer traction to relieve pain.
• Record treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
• Participate with discharge planning, development and implementation of resident care plans.
• Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Conferring with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's healthcare.
• Orient, instruct, and direct work activities of assistants and aides.
• Perform other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting.
• Ensure effective communication regarding PT programs.

Primarily responsible for planning, organizing, developing and directing physical therapy services in accordance with current applicable federal and state standards, guidelines and regulations. To ensure the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all times. Physical Therapists (PTs) provide a variety of medical services to help individuals who have been injured or physically affected by illness to recover or improve function.

A physical therapist must be able to evaluate a patient’s condition and devise a customized physical rehabilitation and treatment plan. The PTs’ goal is to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability, in order to maximize quality of life.

• Complete required orientation as directed by facility.
• Follow facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment.
• Follow facility and GHR Unusual Occurrence Protocol.
• Respect cultural and religious practices of patients.
• Uphold HIPAA regulations.
• Punctual and dependable for assigned/confirmed shifts.