Overview

Evaluates patients in their home setting and develops a physical therapy treatment plan for patients suffering from injuries, neurological conditions, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore strength, movement, function, relieve pain, and prevent disability by performing the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Reviews Physician's referral, patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required. Obtains history and subjective components of the evaluation
• Tests and measures patient's strength, balance, range of motion, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs. Observes posture, position, and palpates anatomical structures
• Plans and prepares written treatment plan based on evaluation of patient data
• Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities and in use of assistant and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, and prostheses
• Administers treatments involving application of physical agents
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit
• Administers massage, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization
• Administers traction to relieve pain
• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into computer
• Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home
• Confers with Physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care
• Assist with the supervisory visits of HHA if indicated
• Participates in the PI and CQI process through committees as needed
• Assist in the orientation and training of new staff

Education and Experience

Certification/Licensure

License to practice Physical Therapy in the state of Wisconsin and/or Illinois as requiredApproved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days of hireFor those driving Mercyhealth vehicles:Maintain a valid driver’s license. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth’s HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.For those driving their personal vehicles:Maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth’s HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.

Special Physicial Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.