Physical Therapist

Position Title:  Physical Therapist                                                             

Status: Full- Time

Position Summary: Responsible for evaluation, planning, directing, and administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician. Coordinates, delegates, and supervises responsibilities assigned to supportive staff (RCNA, PTA, PTLA, etc.). Participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls, and takes appropriate

action to remain in budget guidelines.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for direction of the Physical Therapy Department certified staff, including

Physical Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides and Restorative CNAs.

• Able to evaluate a patient’s condition and devise an individualized physical rehabilitation and treatment plan to enhance strength, flexibility, range of motion, motor control, and reduce any pain, discomfort, and swelling the patient is experiencing.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, recommends change to physician as

needed.

• Ability to perform an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients, and the general patient population.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Administers treatments and physical agents as prescribed by a referring physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability.
• Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses

psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.

• Ensures that patient changes are accurate and entered on a timely basis.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, and administrative team.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other

departments.

• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assists with orientation and in service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy, and physiology.
• Knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all federal, state, local regulations, and

accrediting organization standards.

• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes in services and returns in timely fashion.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement
• (CQI) activities.
• Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus
• statement of the department.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Current West Virginia State Physical Therapy Licensure, graduate of an approved school of Physical Therapy or graduate of accredited college or university with a certificate in Physical Therapy.
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of physical therapy.
• Current BLS certification.