What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist- Homewood DayRehab position at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab?
The Physical Therapist
- Evaluates patient's physical and functional status including muscular strength, motor functions, reflexes, ambulation skills and ability to perform activities of daily living.
- Observes and interviews patient, reviews medical history, and administers sensory tests, muscle tests, range-of-motion exams, and other evaluation techniques.
- Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results, including such physical therapy treatment modalities as whirlpool, ultrasounds, massage, biofeedback, paraffin and prosthetics/orthotics and/or monitors or administers the application of treatment.
- Evaluates patient’s current pain levels (0-10) and history of recent pain experience; provides appropriate pain education and intervention in consultation with physician and pain specialists as needed; provides ongoing assessment of pain and implementation of tools for management.
- Establishes therapy goals, and formulates a treatment plan including exercise, modalities, balance activities, and gait training.
- Discusses evaluation, goals, and treatment with patient and family and instructs them on the exercise program and in use of equipment.
- Participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate.
- Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining records for physicians and insurance carriers.
- Determines and orders appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.
- May participate in the Department education program by teaching and supervising students.
- Participates in research projects as needed.
- Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
- Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager-Innovation Center, Therapy Manager-AbilityLab.
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
- Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
- Current CPR certification required.
- Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients.
- Ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.
- Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information.
- Analytical ability to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and budgets, and assess new programs and recommend changes.
- Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.
- Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
- Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
- May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.