Physical Therapy (PT, Rehab) - Outpatient

• Location Detail: 1012 East Main St Torrington (10487)
• Shift Detail: Float position; days and evenings with occasional Saturdays
• Work where every moment matters.

Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 122-bed, general acute care community hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for the 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut. CHH offers personalized attention from an expert team of caregivers and physicians that utilize advanced technology and clinical partnerships in a convenient, safe and comfortable patient environment.

Position Summary/Purpose

Under the direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Services, evaluates, plans, and administers medically prescribed Physical Therapy treatments to patients.

Essential Functions

1) Performs a comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and safety assessment of assigned patients as evidenced by clinical documentation.

• Selects appropriate evaluation tools consistent with the patient’s diagnosis, history, and medical status.
• Identifies those functional problems that require intervention based on an accurate assessment of the patient’s status.
• Evaluates and documents the ability of patient and caregiver to participate in care.
• Records results of evaluation in measurable terms.
• Completes all documentation according to hospital policy.
• 2) Develops a Plan of Care to promote optimum function and safety as documented in the clinical record.
• Incorporates patient and caregiver goals into the Plan of Care.
• Establishes interventions and specific measurable outcomes that are consistent with identified problems.
• Goals and outcomes are realistic, measurable, and address functional needs.
• Modifies and updates the plan of care as patient status warrants.

3) Plans for and provides skilled physical therapy treatment, reassessing the patient’s status on each visit and ensuring quality of care as documented in the clinical record.

Selects and performs therapeutic techniques that are appropriate to patient’s problems and medical status, and that reflects integration of the therapist’s clinical knowledge and theory.

• Able to identify the need for and order equipment necessary for the patient’s safety and optimum function.
• Provides patient/caregiver education regarding treatment, precautions, and equipment use, and documents the patient/caregiver understanding/demonstration of the education provided.
• Maintains frequency of visits as established on physician’s orders.
• Documents client status and progression towards achievement of outcomes on each visit in measurable parameters.
• Demonstrates safe technique in providing patient care as observed by Manager and other care providers.

Able to establish and implement a timely discharge plan taking into consideration patient/caregiver education and needs as well as community services, and coordinating with other team members.

4) Coordinates patient care with other clinical team members ensuring optimal patient care and communication as noted in the clinical record.

Identifies the need for agency and community resources that are beneficial to the patient to ensure that care needs are met.

• Collaborates and updates other team members about changes in patient status and plan of care.
• Able to coordinate and manage patient care needs recognizing issues that require intervention, being knowledgeable about care provided by other disciplines, and communicating effectively with patient, family, and team members to reach optimum patient outcomes.
• Participates in case Interdisciplinary Rounds per hospital policy.

Notifies the physician of any changes in patient’s status or service verbally and in writing according to hospital policy.

Delegates patient care interventions to the Physical Therapy Assistant following hospital policy and guidelines established by the APTA.

Submits clinical updates and documentation requested for third party reimbursement and provides visits according to the authorized parameters established.

• Documents all communication between team members as well as family and community resource personnel.
• Physical Therapists are responsible to supervise Physical Therapy Assistants and Therapy Aides.

5) Completes all required documentation following Hospital policies and procedures to ensure that documentation reflects care provided and the outcomes achieved as evidenced in the clinical record.

Is responsible to write legible, concise, relevant and inclusive documentation that communicates care provided, patient status, ongoing needs, and achievement of outcomes.

• Completes physician orders in accordance with hospital policy.
• Discharge summaries are completed at the time of discharge.
• All documentation completed at time of care.
• 6) Maintains and enhances personal knowledge as well as promoting professional standards in physical therapy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Hospital policies and procedures.
• Participates in monthly clinical record reviews, if applicable, as documented on completed review form.
• Shares expertise with staff and colleagues at meetings, in-services and case conferences as observed by Rehabilitation Manager.
• Maintains current license and submits timely evidence of renewed license.
• 7) Attends all mandatory in-services, completes all mandatory Health stream assignments.
• All education requirements have been completed.
• Provides complete and accurate responses to safety questions as administered by Manager.
• Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.
• Maintains work area and equipment in condition required by department standards.
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.
• Is certified in CPR biannually.
• 8) Follows the Hospital isolation procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures and correct use of personal protective equipment.
• Assures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures.
• Completes annual education programs.

9) Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.

Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner as observed by Rehabilitation Manager and peers.

• Maintains mature professional manner exhibiting confidence and composure, even during stressful situations.
• Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues.
• Conducts all work activities with respect for rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families and fellow employees.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times as observed by peers and management.

Presents neat appearance with proper attire and identification as required by the position, department, and Hospital policy.

Displays a positive attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

• Develops therapeutic rapport with patients and families.
• 10) Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a team inter- and intradepartmentally to facilitate the department's ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Participates in staff meetings as determined by Manager.
• Supports the Hospital mission, policies and procedures through attendance and participation at committee meetings, if applicable.
• Utilizes automated system to communicate inter and intra departmentally, as appropriate.
• Reports to work on time and is at work as scheduled, as observed by Manager.
• Demonstrates effective time management skills/readily accepts assignments as observed by Manager.
• Completes work assignments on time as directed by manager.
• Demonstrates dependability/flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department and the Hospital
• Receptive to constructive input and follows through on recommendations.
• Informs manager promptly of patient issues and changes in work schedule.
• Makes suggestions/ recommendations for changes within the department.
• 11) Other duties as assigned.

12) Displays and upholds CHH core values of dignity, compassion, service excellence, community and integrity. Consistently demonstrates caring for patients, for one another, and for the organization they are part of, and contributes to building trust, pride and camaraderie.

Job Knowledge, Skill Requirements, and Desired Attributes

Attends all mandatory education programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety and regulatory compliance. Attends all required department-specific education and training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to department safety and specific job‑related hazards.

Follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens. Attire is professional, neat, clean, and appropriate for the work environment. Wears proper identification while on duty. Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times, as observed by peers and management.

Reports to work on time and meets acceptable standard for attendance. Attends a minimum of two staff meetings, reads minutes for all staff meetings, and participates in committees as required.

Qualifications

Education

BS Degree in physical therapy (PT). Current state PT license. CPR certification.

Experience

• 2 years of clinical experience preferred with a varied patient population.
• We take great care of careers.

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organiz