Job Summary

At Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Health your choice.

Performs diversified duties involved in the planning and carrying out of physical therapy evaluation and treatment programs for patients suffering from a variety of injuries, diseases and disabilities. Utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, techniques and procedures in performing evaluations, treatment planning, treatment implementation and discharge planning.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Evaluates patient to determine treatment needs.

• Gathers pertinent information from the medical record, i.e., diagnosis, history, nature of referral prior to examining the patient.
• Approximately utilizes testing procedures, observation, interview techniques, formal and informal evaluation tools to assess patient status.
• Identifies patient problem areas in preparation for establishing treatment goals and plans.
• Completes initial evaluation in a timely manner consistent with the patients needs.
• Documents evaluation findings on Physical Medicine Evaluation Sheet.
• Establishes realistic objectives and measurable goals aimed at patient improvement.

Plans treatment program based on evaluation findings.

• Demonstrates clear understanding of indications/contraindications for each modality and treatment technique.
• Designs treatment program in collaboration with physician, allied health team, patient and family.
• Establishes a treatment program which includes activities aimed at efficient progression toward goal attainment.
• Documents individualized and current treatment plans, short and long term goals.

Administers treatment program in accordance with accepted standards of care and current knowledge.

• Administers treatment program upon receiving written physician orders.
• Schedules patient for treatment session coordinating treatment times with team members.
• Reviews medical record to ascertain current patient status.
• Utilizes appropriate skills and techniques in the delivery of patient care based on scientific facts and accepted rehabilitation therapy.
• Adheres to department protocols for specific patient populations.
• Complies with department and hospital safety practices in maintaining a safe treatment environment.
• Demonstrates safe and appropriate utilization of support personnel in the implementation of patient care programs.
• Utilizes treatment time effectively, allowing for multiple simultaneous treatment programs when necessary, and equal distribution of work load.
• Assists patient through appropriate movement, giving support and encouragement as required.

Monitors results of treatment and alters program as necessary.

• Observes patient for any adverse reaction to treatment, documenting significant changes in patient status and notifying appropriate personnel.
• Consistently evaluates outcome of care rendered and patient response to treatment.
• Periodically re-evaluates patient to ensure attainment of goals. 
• Alters treatment goals and programs as appropriate to meet changing needs of patients.

Maintains necessary patient and department records.

• Documents patient progress in medical record at appropriate intervals utilizing soap note format. Minimum frequency of three times per week for inpatients, one time per week for outpatients.
• Meets documentation criteria established by Quality Assurance Peer Review Committee.
• Writes progress notes that are concise, clear, individualized and timely.
• Ensures a written referral is obtained for all patients.
• Submits concise written evaluations, treatment plans, progress reports, home programs and discharge summaries.
• Reports outpatient progress to physician through completion of bimonthly report.
• Completes necessary third party paperwork to ensure reimbursement for services rendered.
• Submits other reports, as requested.

Collaborates with physicians, peers and other disciplines in the planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care.

• Coordinates rehabilitation plan of care with physician, peers and other health care team members.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other disciplines based on identified patient needs.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Communicates all pertinent patient information when absent from department to ensure continuity of care.
• Effectively communicates patient program and progress to other team members to ensure appropriate follow through.
• Seeks and utilizes peer's knowledge and ideas in program development and evaluation.
• Clarifies information on referrals which are not precise.

Provides teaching to patients and family members.

• Educates patient and family about injury/disease process, expected results and treatment progression.
• Instructs patient and family in exercise program and provides clear, concise written program for patient to follow.
• Ensures that any standardized home program form has been individualized to the needs of the patient.
• Demonstrates to other health care professionals, the most effective means of assisting or directing patient to obtain rehabilitation goals.
• Requests proper demonstration of rehabilitation program by the patient, family or other health care professionals.
• Periodically re-evaluates any home program provided to the patient to ensure maximum progression and patient performance and safety.

Prepares patient for discharge through established discharge plans and appropriate follow-up.

• Implements a multi-disciplinary approach to discharge planning; involving physician, discharge coordinators and other health care professionals, as appropriate.
• Plans and coordinates discharge activities with patient and family involvement.
• Completes necessary discharge paperwork, including inter-agency referrals and discharge summaries.
• Notifies physician of impending discharge when patient no longer requires rehabilitation services as appropriate.

Qualifications

Educates and acts as a resource for physical therapy students, aides, volunteers and new employees.

• Delegates responsibility according to the individual's capability and training.
• Provides teaching in-services to department and hospital personnel, as assigned.
• Serves as role model.
• Observes and provides prompt feedback on performance.
• Assists in orientation and training of students, aides, volunteers and new employees.
• Promotes problem-solving skills.
• Accepts all responsibilities of student supervisor.

Participates in ongoing quality assurance activities.

• Maintains clinical competency in areas listed on the Skill Inventory Checklist.
• Participates in peer chart review process.
• Reports all variances and unusual occurrences to department director. Incident reports are filed within 24 hours of occurrence.
• Engages in self and peer evaluation of Physical Medicine Services.
• Evaluates consumer feedback and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Contributes to development of quality assurance indicators.

Assumes responsibility for own professional development and growth.

• Recognizes need for, and seeks guidance from, appropriate source.
• Serves as a resource person to team members.
• Regularly evaluates professional areas of strengths and weaknesses, and develops a plan to meet learning needs.
• Attends mandatory in-service education; including CPR, Health Safety Expo, Infection Control and department in-services.
• Participation in offering inter-disciplinary in-services.
• Participation in activities outside of department to include committees, task forces, quality initiatives, projects, community speaking and wellness events.
• Maintains current knowledge of rehabilitation treatment techniques.
• Seeks learning opportunities for professional development.
• Remains informed of department practices through attendance at department meetings.
• Shares knowledge gained from course/seminar attendance by providing timely in-service to staff.
• Demonstrates an interest in the enhancement of rehabilitation profession through understanding of medical information, regulations, applicable laws and legislation.

Participates in evaluation, change and development of rehabilitation services.

• Contributes to the assessment and development of department objectives.
• Demonstrates a concern for updating treatment policies/procedures when necessary or appropriate.
• Periodically re-evaluates effectiveness of services.
• Participates in development of new programs.
• Demonstrates an active involvement and interest in department changes.

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree Physical Therapy

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

Registered Physical Therapist - State of Connecticut.

AHA CPR Certification.

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually. Other programs as mandated by hospital. CPR annually.

Special Requirements:

Excellent written/oral communication skills and interpersonal skills.

For Home Care Agency: Must have a car to drive to home visits and a valid Connecticut driver’s license in good standing; $100,000-$300,000 automobile liability insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Physical agility including but not limited to: ambulating including prolonged walking and mobility within the Hospital setting, sitting, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, twisting, and reaching. Lifting over 50 lbs. 20 times daily and under 50 lbs. 30 times daily. Ability to verbalize so that an average person can comprehend.

Work Environment:

Frequent exposure to body fluids, exposure to hazardous chemicals. Carries out a variety of treatments including but not limited to therapeutic use of heat, water, electricity, and light. Exposure to stressful situations. Personal contact with variety of levels of customers.

Cognitive Requirements:

Demonstrated awareness of proper body mechanics and safety in lifting, transferring, and guarding of patients. Ability to read, comprehend, and execute written and oral instructions. Basic math skills.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.