Job Description

Physical Therapist

Job Purpose:
Restores patient's function, alleviates pain, and prevents disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed physical therapy.

Duties:
* Meets the patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining physical therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription.

* Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and accept therapeutic devices by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as nonmanual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities and in using assistive and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.

* Administers physical therapy treatments by giving massages; initiating traction; applying physical agents; utilizing hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines; directing treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants.

* Evaluates effects of physical therapy treatments and fit of prosthetic and orthotic devices by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.

* Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences.

* Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.

* Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.

* Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.

* Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

* Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

* Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.

* Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

* Develops physical therapy staff by providing information; developing and conducting in-service training programs.

* Complies with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.

* Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Skills/Qualifications:
Physiological Knowledge, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Motivating Others, Legal Compliance, Quality Focus, Bedside Manner, Clinical Skills, Pain Management, Persistence, Energy Level

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