Overview

• Evaluate, plan, direct and administer Physical Therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician, performing all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors
• Has skills in the inpatient settings to effectively provide Physical Therapy evaluations and treatments to acute and swing level patients.
• Should be flexible and responsive to providing care in alternative settings such as the Outpatient Rehab clinic, Emergency Department, PACU, Express Care, or other identified area of need.
• Should at minimum be familiar with best practice and common treatments for inpatient and swing rehabilitation  pathologies, such as, but not limited to; orthopedics, neurological conditions, asthenia due to illness, and general pathophysiology of common disease (Pneumonias, Cancers, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.). 
• Should be proficient with rendering common treatment techniques such as, but not limited to; manual therapy, neuro rehab techniques, exercise modalities, and use of functional activities to help patients reach maximum function.  

Responsibilities

Clinical Practice:

• Administers treatments and occupational 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.
• Observes and evaluates treatment affect. Recommends change to physician, if needed.
• Performs an appropriate evaluation and assessment on each patient, as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments, as per policy. 
•  Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation - makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching, as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
•  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.
• Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.

Administrative:

• Directs appropriate Physical Therapy Department staff, including: Physical Therapist Assistants; Rehabilitation Aides/Mobility Technicians; Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant certification applicants; and/or Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant students.
• Maintains records pertinent to the personnel and operation of the department.
• Meets current clinical documentation standards and policies.
• Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members.
• Participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Uses approved abbreviations when recording information.
• Ensures that patient charges are accurate and entered on a timely basis.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of Physical Therapy or equivalent.
• Experience in providing Physical Therapy within the inpatient and swing setting is preferred. 
• New graduates or other therapists who have not worked in an inpatient and/or swing setting may be considered. 

Required Licensure/Certifications

REQUIRED LICENSE(S):

•

Licensed Physical Therapist with NH eligibility REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:

•

(BLS) Basic Life Support