Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating/assessing needs of referred patients and formulating treatment plans. Provides therapy services defined in treatment plans. Works cooperatively with physicians, case managers, and other members of the healthcare team. Maintains accurate documentation of therapy services in the medical record. May supervise physical therapy assistants, therapy techs, and students.

Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Responsible for evaluating/assessing needs of referred patients and formulating treatment plans.
• Provides therapy services defined in treatment plans.
• Works cooperatively with physicians, case managers, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Maintains accurate documentation of therapy services in the medical record.
• May supervise physical therapy assistants, therapy techs, and students.
• Documents patient care utilizing approved hospital and department documentation system.
• Accurately and promptly completes daily patient charges for every patient treated according to department procedures.
• Performs and documents thorough initial evaluation on each patient referred for P.T. services, accurately performing objective testing and identifying patient's functional disabilities or problem areas prior to implementation of treatment.
• Identifies and documents measurable short- and long-term goals for each patient evaluated.
• Sets up a detailed treatment plan for each patient.
• Periodically re-assesses patient's functional status, progress toward achievement of goals, and modifies treatment plan accordingly.
• Communicates results of evaluation with patient/significant other and involves patient in planning, implementation and revision of the treatment plan.
• Assesses and identifies the patient and/or significant others educational needs concerning reasons for and expected reactions to treatment, safe use of equipment, home programs, and follow up care.

Regulatory/Quality

• Utilizes time to accomplish work in an efficient manner by consistently demonstrating direct patient care contact at a productivity level of at least 75% (24 billable units per day).
• Assumes personal responsibility for completing and maintaining competencies in all areas of department practice and takes initiative to enhance professional growth through educational programs, professional literature, in-services and workshops.
• Continuously engages in improving work processes that will facilitate the improvement of patient care.

Interdisciplinary Teamwork

• Appropriately delegates to and supervises performance of support personnel according to their level of training and in accordance with state law.
• Communicates effectively and maintains professional, cooperative relationships with all members of the healthcare team, patients, and the public.
• Shows initiative in assisting co-workers.
• Knows and uses the designated chain of command to: a) Communicate work related concerns/questions b) Present solutions/options for department concerns.
• Participates on committees as assigned and consults with department Director concerning department input and effects of committee decisions on department function and budget.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Effectively follows and participates in scheduling functions by promptly accommodating patients for treatment as ordered and effectively scheduling support staff for maximum productivity and with fair distribution of work.
• Consistently maintains work area in a neat and orderly manner.
• Acts as clinical instructor for physical therapy and PTA students on clinical internship by mentoring, providing supervision, timely feedback and written evaluation of skills.
• Demonstrates problem solving and good judgement.
• Accepts additional work assignments as assigned by Director or Team Leader.
• Consistently performs 12 organizational Service Standards focused on Values, Service and Quality.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of accredited Physical Therapy Program (minimum bachelor's degree)

Special Skills

Good interpersonal/human relations skills

Good oral/written communication skills

Good teamwork skills

Good critical thinking/decision making skills.

Superior organizational skills.

Licensure: Current Louisiana State Physical Therapy License (temporary licensure allowed) and BLS Certification