Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist is responsible for the Physical Therapy evaluation, planning, implementation, treatment, and documentation of patient status for St. Mary’s Hospital.  Supports the Hospital’s mission to provide the highest quality care by complying with regulatory guidelines, meeting agency standards, and obtaining appropriate certification.

JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides skilled physical therapy in accordance with the (physician’s and team’s plan of care).

2. Assists the physicians in assessing the patient’s functional level by applying appropriate tests and assists in the development and revision of the plan of care.

3. Treats patients to relieve pain, develop and restore function, maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as stated in the physical therapy plan of care.

4. Observes, records and reports the patient’s reaction to treatment and any change in the patient’s condition to the physician and/or nursing and other staff involved.

5. Instructs and advises patients, family and other health team personnel including, when appropriate, physical therapy assistant and restorative technicians, in the phases of physical therapy in which they may assist the patient; instructs all of the above in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices and durable medical equipment, as appropriate.

6. Evaluates and regularly re-evaluates the rehabilitation needs of the patient, initiates, develops, and revises the patient’s plan of care. Assesses the patient’s continual care needs. Ensures that the plan of care addresses all problems identified in the assessment or demonstrates rationale for not doing so. Develops patient outcomes and a discharge plan for each patient

7. Initiates diagnostic, preventative and rehabilitative procedures as appropriate to the patient’s care and safety. Makes referrals to other disciplines as indicated by the needs of the patient or documents rationale for not doing so.

8. Assists with the coordination of the total plan of care and maintains continuity of patient care by liaising with other health professionals assigned to the same patients.

9. Provides periodic treatment and evaluation on patients receiving therapy from a physical therapy assistant, as indicated by the plan of care and as determined in accordance with the patient’s needs. Provides a final evaluation to determine that termination of services is appropriate.

10. Develops, prepares and maintains individualized patient care progress records with accuracy timeliness and according to policies. Submits evaluation reports within 48 hours evaluation session.

11. Participates in in-service programs.

12. Participates in care plan meetings, rounds and family meetings.

13. Completes managed care summaries, MDS reports, patient grids and Meditech documentation timely and accurately.

14. Embraces the model of patient and family centered care and works in collaboration with parents to develop goals and track progress.

15. Cooperates and consults with appropriate staff to provide staff education when requested and arranged by the PT Team Supervisor.

16. Attends meetings and serve on a variety of patient care and strategic planning committees as assigned by the Supervisor or the Director of Rehabilitation.

17. Participates in the agency’s quality improvement program.

18. Participates in departmental research projects as needed/appropriate.

Formal education required:

Successful completion of a physical therapy program at a school of physical therapy approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association, or both.  If licensed or registered prior to 1966, meets the alternative qualifications cited in the Medicare Conditions of Participation, Section 405.12 (1) (2) (3) .

Licensed in NYS as a Physical Therapist.

Previous experience required:

Minimum of one year of experience in pediatric physical therapy and/or pediatric affiliation.