Physical Therapist - Relief - Acute Adult

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Physical Therapist functions as a member of the Rehabilitation Services patient care team, providing physical therapy services—including exercise, gait training, patient and family education, and other physical modalities—to help patients improve strength, endurance, mobility, and flexibility and decrease pain. The therapist evaluates appropriately referred patients, establishes treatment goals and objectives, and develops and implements treatment plans. The role also includes supervising therapy interns, assisting with departmental or hospital education and research activities, and meeting hospital documentation and productivity standards. Weekend shift rotation may be included. Relief employees must be available to work at least four days per pay period, according to department needs. This position provides acute-care rehabilitation in an inpatient hospital environment. The therapist coordinates care with patients, families, and medical teams, contributes to patient safety and discharge planning, and provides clinical instruction and supervision for students and other learners.

Requirements

Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board license as a Physical Therapist, or completion of an accredited physical therapy educational program with eligibility to obtain an Oregon physical therapy license or temporary permit; a temporary permit is required at appointment if not yet fully licensed.
BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or before independent practice, whichever comes first.
Ability to lift 40 pounds, repeatedly carry equipment weighing more than 5 pounds, and walk extensively on hard and soft surfaces.
Ability to bend and reach frequently to navigate medical equipment or perform treatment.
Knowledge of inpatient medical environments and equipment, including oxygen, ventilation, and respiratory apparatuses.
Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to urgent medical situations.

Nice To Haves

Acute hospital, skilled nursing facility (SNF), inpatient rehabilitation experience, or student affiliation.

Responsibilities

Prioritize patients’ care needs based on medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability, and appropriateness for rehabilitation.
Evaluate patients to determine whether referrals are appropriate; identify rehabilitation potential and establish treatment goals with functional outcomes, measures, and target dates.
Develop treatment plans and provide skilled rehabilitation treatment, including direct care and patient, family, and caregiver education.
Document evaluations and treatment in the medical record in compliance with applicable standards and accurately code services and bill patient-care time.
Provide timely consultation, request orders when needed, and guide the care team on activity and complication prevention.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans; communicate patient needs, precautions, and strategies to nursing staff and other caregivers.
Update the care team on ongoing rehabilitation needs and plans as patient conditions change.
Direct, support, and supervise PTAs, aides, and volunteers as required.
Develop and enhance patient-care programs and outcomes in the specialty area.
Provide evidence-based clinical instruction and supervision for PT and PTA students; support weekly goals, affiliation objectives, feedback, and scheduled evaluations.
Participate in supervision and training of students from other disciplines.
Collaborate with patients, families, and medical teams in multidisciplinary rounds and recommend rehabilitation after discharge.
Request and participate in patient or family conferences, represent the department, and advocate for patients’ rehabilitation needs.
Promote patient safety during and after hospitalization and help the team solve related problems.
Educate physicians, fellows, residents, and other health care providers about rehabilitation.