Job Details
The Physical Therapist 1 selects evaluations and treatment methods appropriate for the patient's diagnosis, age group, and physical/emotional status while formulating appropriate treatment plans. Demonstrates essential skill competencies in the use of treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols. Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines while adjusting treatment plans accordingly. Adheres to department policies regarding the timeframe, form, and content of written evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Communicates effectively with patients, families, medical staff, care team members, students, supervisors, and outside contacts.
Job Responsibilities
- Documents the results of evaluations clearly and completely by including all essential elements according to department policy.
- Completes daily progress notes that reflect patients' responses to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status relevant to the treatment plan in addition to eventual discharge needs and treatment summaries if needed.
- Completes discharge notes that include a summary of the course of treatment, progress toward goals, discharge needs, recommendations for follow-up and patient and/or family education.
- Documents clearly, concisely and legibly within established timeframes (e.g. allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursements).
- Documents evidence of patient and family/caregiver education.
- Contacts families, physicians or other healthcare team members in anticipation of special needs of the patients or families in a timely manner to facilitate effective treatment plans.
- Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient's level of understanding and motivation and includes families/caregivers in education and training.
- Demonstrates collaboration in communication with team members and is open to feedback and receptive to change.
- Gives appropriate instruction and supervision to assistive personnel consistent with program/clinic policies and regulatory requirements.
- Assumes leadership roles in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plans.
- Demonstrates fiscal responsibility and knowledge about supplies, equipment, billing and staff resources used in the department.
- Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines.
- Applies knowledge of therapeutic techniques during evaluations and throughout treatment while adjusting treatment plans regularly and appropriately as patients' status change.
- Demonstrates current knowledge of the application of therapeutic techniques and evaluation methods.
- Demonstrates creative problem-solving and diversity when adapting treatment to special circumstances.
- Assumes complete responsibility over the course of Physical Therapy patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcomes.
- Addresses discharge planning needs from initial evaluation to discharge.
- Chooses appropriate evaluation tests/tools relevant to the diagnosis and reason for referral.
- Administers appropriate tools/tests and interprets data accurately based on feedback from the treatment team.
- Develops goals and treatment plans that are prioritized based on input from patients, families, and healthcare team members and reflect the evaluation findings.
- Formulates comprehensive treatment plans to improve the functional status of patients and address reasons for referrals.
- May perform additional duties as assigned.
Additional Requirements Certification - Basic Life Support Upon StartLicensure - Physical Therapist Upon StartExperience - Not required Education - Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy