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POSITION SUMMARY

Primarily responsible for planning, organizing, developing and directing Physical therapy services in accordance with current applicable federal and state standards, guidelines and regulations. To ensure the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all times. Physical Therapists (PTs) provides a variety of medical services to help individuals who have been injured or physically affected by illness to recover or improve function. A physical therapist must be able to evaluate a patient’s condition and devise a customized physical rehabilitation and treatment plan. The PTs’ goal is to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability, in order to maximize quality of life.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Physical Therapists provide care to patients based on the application of scientific physical therapy principles. Responsibilities of the Physical Therapist include (but are not limited to):

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct physical therapy services as well as its programs and activities in accordance with current regulations and guidelines that govern the skilled nursing facility.

• Assumes responsibility for the assessment of patients appropriate to the age of the patient

• Assumes responsibility for the care of patients appropriate to the age of the patient

• Maintains and completes accurate documentation, department records and reports.

• Ensures effective communication regarding PT programs.

• Contributes to the daily management of patient care and rehabilitation personnel.

• Maintains commitment to professional growth and competency.

• Operates and maintains equipment and environment in a safe and orderly manner.

• Contributes to the philosophy of quality care and human dignity at the facility.

• Contributes to the effective operation of the facility by demonstrating dependability in job performance.

• Maintains an efficiency standard of 75% weekly to meet expected facility benchmarks.

• Assumes the responsibility, authority and accountability of directing the physical therapy assistant.

• Performs evaluations/screens in a timely and efficient manner.

• Completed documentation in a timely manner in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Maintains appropriate continuing education credits in accordance with state regulations.

• Maintains a positive work environment for residents and coworkers.

• Plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability

• Reviews physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required

• Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs

• Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data

• Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function

• Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses

• Administers treatments involving application of physical agents, using equipment, such as hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines

• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum

• Administers massage

• Administers traction to relieve pain

• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into computer

• Participates with discharge planning, development and implementation of resident care plans.

• 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

• Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants and aides

• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting

Other Responsibilities

• Complete required orientation as directed by facility

• Follow facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment

• Follow facility and GHR Unusual Occurrence Protocol

• Respect cultural and religious practices of patients

• Uphold HIPAA regulations

• Punctual and dependent for assigned/confirmed shifts Position Requirements