JOB SUMMARY

Practices the profession of Physical Therapy including evaluating, establishing goals, developing therapy plans and providing treatment to patients with physical disabilities or limitations. They are responsible also for patient and family education, timely and accurate documentation, and ongoing communication with physicians and other healthcare professionals. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

* Demonstrates a commitment to the mission of Swedish Hospital and demonstrates a service orientation and
adheres to all responsibilities and standards of the Hospital.

• Responsible for diagnosing, establishing and updating appropriate goals and treatment plans and providing therapy to inpatients with physical disabilities.
• Appropriately treats patients per program as designed using therapeutic techniques and modalities. 
• Maintains timely and complete documentation in accordance with department policy.
• Interfaces with members of the medical staff and other members of the healthcare team. Is responsible for assuring good communication, problem-solving and follow-up to identified needs and concerns of other team members.
• Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapy Techs in the treatment of patients. Supervises and organizes clinical experiences for Physical Therapy students under the supervision of the Center Coordinator for Clinical Education as needed.
• Interacts with patients and family members encouraging ongoing joint goal-setting and providing ongoing feedback of patient progress, status and prognosis. Provides education re: diagnosis and treatment alternatives as needed. Recognizes the need for and makes appropriate referrals to interdisciplinary personnel and community agencies.
• Represents the Physical Therapy Department at conferences and meetings within the hospital. Participates in patient education and support programs.
• Participates in inservice and on-the-job training of co-workers, hospital personnel and the community as requested.
• Participates in program development and TQM/CQI initiatives as requested
• Continues own professional education through attendance at professional meetings, conventions and courses outside the hospital, by reviewing current literature and by attending hospital conferences, meetings and inservice training program.
• Participates in patient scheduling, entering charges, and program coordination efforts as requested by the Director. Helps to maintain treatment area in safe, clean and orderly condition. Attends to status of equipment and supplies in clinic, reporting need for ordering as well as maintenance to senior PT in area.

PATIENT CARE/AGE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Recognizes need and behaviors of a variety of disability, age and ethic groups and is able to tailor programs appropriately. Understands the normal aging process.

QUALIFICATION/BASIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of APTA approved school of Physical Therapy.
• New graduates are welcome to apply.
• Professional skills as required by APTA approved school
• Professional communication skills.
• Good team player, sound judgement, patient-focused work ethic.
• Works at least one weekend per month and one holiday per year.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Current Illinois PT license.
• Current AHA BLS CPR certification.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS

• Other Hospital Personnel
• Visitors
• Patients
• Physicians
• Personnel at Physical Therapy schools and students.

ENVIRONMENT

• Sitting: 15% - Standing/Walking: 85%
• Frequently involved in transferring patients. Minimal other regular lifting or carrying objects.
• Repetitive tasks include word-processing and typing approximately 15% of the time.
• Exposed to blood/body fluids and airborne disease during direct patient care .

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.