Physical Therapist Level II, Outpatient
The role of a Physical Therapist Level II, Outpatient is to provide comprehensive physical therapy services to patients with physical and functional deficits. This includes conducting assessments, planning and implementing individual/group physical therapy treatments to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, prevent permanent disability and restore independence.
This position requires strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families and various members of the healthcare team. The ability to analyze patient conditions, capabilities and progress is also essential to develop appropriate treatment programs.
The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years' experience as a licensed Physical Therapist, with a preference for 1 year at Boston Medical Center (BMC). A current Commonwealth of Massachusetts license and CPR certification are required. APTA and MCAPTA membership is preferred.
* Responsibilities:
* Conduct comprehensive assessments of in and outpatients with physical and functional deficits.
* Plan and implement individual/group physical therapy treatments to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, prevent permanent disability and restore independence.
* Collaborate with other disciplines to arrange for appropriate follow-up care and facilitate a successful return to home and work environments.
* Provide student training according to departmental guidelines and participate in continuous education.
* Respond to all consults in assigned area within 24 hours; complete evaluation and documentation within 24 hours of consult (IP).
* Select evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient's diagnosis, abilities, and limitations.
* Administer evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including range of motion, manual muscle testing, mobility, air entry and breath sounds); adapt evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients.
* Interpret evaluation results, develop an integrated diagnostic impression, and make recommendations.
* Perform re-evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient's status or response to treatment.
* Educate patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations.
* Establish treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third party reimbursement requirements.
* Formulate treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient's unique psychological and functional deficits.
* Establish measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver.
* Modify goals as warranted by changes in patient's status.
* Assess discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to: insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.
* Communicate patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed. Arrange for appropriate follow-up.
* Implement comprehensive individual and group treatment. Consistently demonstrate clinical competence.
* Establish treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients.
* Use creative treatment approaches and explore alternative solutions to individual patient problems.
* Demonstrate clinical problem solving skills with a variety of patient problems and substantiate actions taken.
* Progress patient treatment programs appropriately and terminate them as warranted by patient's progress and condition.
* Recommends and/or issues appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring that it properly fits the patient.
* Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.
* Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
* Demonstrates ability to engage patients in treatment, provides reinforcement and support; sets limits appropriately.
* Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.
* Notifies supervisor/manager when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
* Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions. Demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.
* Assigns appropriate patients to Physical Therapist Assistant and Rehabilitation and/or Co-op Aide. Seeks feedback.
* Monitors clinical supplies on assigned floors, requesting replacements in a timely manner.
* Education and Certifications:
* Work requires a Bachelor's / Master's/Doctorate or equivalent in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution. Doctorate degree preferred.
* Work requires a current Commonwealth of Massachusetts license.
* APTA and MCAPTA membership preferred.
* Work requires a current CPR certification.