Physical Therapist

MAIN FUNCTION: 

1. Plans and implements specific treatment programs for individual patients according to the principles and practices of Physical Therapy.  Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team.  The Staff Physical Therapist is accountable to the Clinical Coordinator of Rehab Services.
2. Lymphedema.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  1.         Reviews requisitions for Physical Therapy.

                          a.  Interviews patients, evaluates patient’s physical condition and needs.

    2.         Develops a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients.

                         a. Determines proper equipment usage, application and body position, adjusting as necessary in the                                                administration of such treatments as exercise, gait training, soft tissue mobility, whirlpool, hot packs, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs, electrical stimulation, and traction.

                         b. Instructs patients on segments of the program including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices.

                         c. Recommends modification or changes in the patient’s program based on own evaluation of progress.

                         d. Confers as necessary with physicians concerning alternatives available.

3.         Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as evaluation results, treatment plans, progress reports and discharge summaries.

  4.         Communicates observations, facts and comments with nursing and interdisciplinary team members to ensure efficient coordination of the overall health care plan.    

 5.         Provides guidance and direction to those staff members assigned to assist in patient care.

 6.         Maintains department policies, procedures, objectives, and quality initiative program, safety and infection control.

                        a. Adheres to hospital wide safety responsibilities:

                            1. Maintains a safe environment for patients, visitors and other employees.

                            2. Maintains a working knowledge of all hospital safety policies and procedures (including fire safety and disaster protocol).

                            3. Follows all safety practices on equipment.

                            4. Uses all safety devices on equipment and insures it is in proper working condition.

                            5. Wears safety clothing, glasses, gloves, shoes, etc. when required and respects “Universal Precautions” as                                        indicated.

                            6. Reports any unsafe act or condition to his/her supervisor.

                            7. Attends safety programs when they are conducted.

                    b. Is familiar with and adheres to “Policy and Procedure” manual for the department.

                    c. Assists where indicated in assisting the Clinical Coordinator with quality initiative indicators.

 7.         Assists in care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.

 8.         Attends meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.

  9.         Assists in transport of patients to and from PT Department as the need should arise.

 10.       Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Senior Therapists in his/her absence.

11.      Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, workshops, etc.

12.     Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

 13.     Provides age appropriate care to neonate, infant, children, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

 14.     Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience.

EDUCATION:         

Must be licensed, or eligible to obtain a license, to practice physical therapy in NYS at the time of hire.

EXPERIENCE:       

Experience in a hospital setting preferred.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Appreciable physical effort or strain; occasionally repetitive efforts.  May involve lifting, pushing, pulling.  Must be able to lift at least thirty (30) pounds independently and at least one-hundred and fifty (150) pounds with assistance of another person.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category II.  Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Employment, however, may require performing unplanned Category I tasks.

INFECTION CONTROL:

Performs all aspects of universal precautions when engaging in patient care.