Physical Therapist

Location: Litchfield

Job Summary Plans and administers 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 by performing the following duties. A Physical Therapist provides professional evaluation, establishes a plan of care and provides treatment for individuals to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability. This occurs in various settings including Meeker Memorial Hospital, and/or with other contracted agencies.

The (Staff) Physical Therapist evaluates and establishes plan of care and treats patients either self-referred or referred by a physician for physical rehabilitation services to restore function, relieve pain and prevent disability.

Essential Job Functions Job functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. Job functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable.

Reviews Physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required.

Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs.

Plans and prepares written plan of care based on evaluation of patient data.

Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function.

Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities and in use of assistant and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.

Administers treatments involving application of physical agents.

Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.

Administers manual therapy.

Administers decompressive modalities such as mechanical traction.

Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart and/or enters information into computer for documentation.

Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home, including exercise, traction, etc.

Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to Orthotist.

Assessment & treatment for swing bed patients and number to be provided as recommended by payor source (ex. 5 of 7 days). Responsible for calculating needed dates of service.

Completes initial evaluation of patients and communicates transfers of care to PTA so that maximal skills of evaluation can be completed by PT.Confers 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 health care.

Adjusts to changing schedule and able to transition from in-patient, out-patient and home health.

Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.

Plans and conducts lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.

Plans and develops physical therapy research programs and participates in conducting research.

Provides ongoing reassessment and progression toward established goals for each patient.

Communicates appropriately with referral sources about patient’s status.

Documents services and maintains records as required by law, facility policies, and administrative regulations, and does so in a timely manner.

Consults and communicates with other members of the rehabilitation team to provide the best possible care for all patients.

Develops home programs for patient and family to continue after discharge. Educates family/caregivers/home health workers as needed.

Provides services to area home care agencies in order to service the greater Meeker Memorial Hospital area.

Responsibility for maintaining up to date licensure requirements.

Practices therapy consistent with the code of ethics of the Minnesota and American Physical Therapy Association.

Responds in timely manner to referrals and develops…