Physical Therapist - Acute Adult

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist - Acute Adult is a member of the Rehabilitation Services patient care team, providing physical therapy to help patients improve strength, endurance, mobility, and flexibility and decrease pain. Services include exercise, gait training, patient and family education, and other physical modalities. The therapist evaluates referred patients, identifies rehabilitation potential, establishes goals, and develops and implements treatment plans. The role also includes supervision of therapy interns, participation in educational and research activities, and compliance with hospital documentation and productivity standards. Weekend shift rotation may be included. The therapist manages an acute-care caseload, provides skilled treatment, monitors and adjusts plans according to patient progress, and coordinates care with patients, families, and the medical team. The position provides clinical instruction and supervision for PT and PTA students and helps develop patient-care programs and outcomes in a specialty area. Work takes place in an inpatient hospital environment. The role requires knowledge of inpatient medical environments and equipment, including oxygen, ventilation, and respiratory apparatuses, and the ability to respond promptly and appropriately to urgent medical situations.

Requirements

Licensed as a Physical Therapist by the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board, or completion of an accredited physical therapy educational program and eligibility to obtain an Oregon license or temporary permit; at appointment, a temporary permit is required at minimum.
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 such as 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, or student affiliation experience.

Responsibilities

Prioritize patient care based on medical necessity, discharge plans, medical stability, and readiness to participate in rehabilitation.
Evaluate patients for referral appropriateness and rehabilitation potential; establish acute-care goals with functional outcomes, quantitative measures, and target dates.
Develop and implement treatment plans to meet identified goals.
Document evaluations in patient medical records in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR, and third-party payer criteria; enter accurate service codes and bill patient-care time accurately.
Provide timely consultations, request orders when needed, and guide the patient’s team on activity and prevention of complications.
Perform and document skilled rehabilitation treatment, including direct care and caregiver, patient, and family education.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans; communicate patient needs and promote carryover of strategies and precautions with nursing and other caregivers.
Update the team’s recommendations regarding ongoing rehabilitation needs and plans as patient conditions and circumstances change.
Direct, support, and supervise PTAs, aides, and volunteers as required.
Develop and enhance patient-care programs and outcomes in a specialty area.
Provide evidence-based clinical instruction and supervision for PT and PTA students; support weekly goals, affiliation objectives, and timely feedback and evaluations.
Participate in supervision and training of students from other disciplines.
Coordinate care with patients, families, and the medical team during multidisciplinary rounds and recommend rehabilitation needs after discharge.
Request and participate in patient and family conferences, representing the department and advocating for patients’ rehabilitation needs.
Promote patient safety during and after hospitalization by helping the team solve problems.
Educate physicians, fellows, residents, and other health care providers about rehabilitation.
Assist with departmental or hospital educational and research activities.