Physical Therapist

Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics•Litchfield, MN

16d•$38 - $57•Onsite

About The Position

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. A Physical Therapist provides professional evaluation, establishes a plan of care and provides treatment for individuals to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability. This occurs in various settings including Meeker Memorial Hospital, and/or with other contracted agencies. The (Staff) Physical Therapist evaluates and establishes plan of care and treats patients either self-referred or referred by a physician for physical rehabilitation services to restore function, relieve pain and prevent disability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required, Masters/Doctorate preferred.
Graduate from an accredited Physical Therapy Program (BA, BS, MS, MPT, Certificate or Doctorate degree)
Graduate from accredited program and have a Minnesota license
Maintains licensure per Minnesota state board of PT regulations
Anatomy and physiology: A deep understanding of the human body's musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.
Kinesiology and biomechanics: Knowledge of how the body moves and the forces and mechanics involved.
Medical conditions: Understanding of common and complex diagnoses treated with physical therapy, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and orthopedic injuries.
Rehabilitation techniques: Extensive knowledge of therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and therapeutic modalities.
Patient evaluation: Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments of a patient's strength, range of motion, and function to create a treatment plan.
Treatment implementation: Expertise in applying various therapeutic techniques and managing assistive devices.
Documentation: Skill in accurately and thoroughly documenting patient progress and treatment plans in a timely manner.
Adaptability: Ability to adjust treatment plans based on a patient's response and progress.
Empathy and compassion: An understanding of and a sensitivity toward a patient's physical and emotional challenges during recovery.
Effectively communicates with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals (interdisciplinary teams)
Effectively managing workload and meeting deadlines.
Ability to work independently and meet the demands of a Critical Access Hospital/ rural hospital environment.
Skilled at incorporating AIDET into professional practice.
Understands role in patient confidentiality and must protect patient information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure as defined by HIPAA.
Ability to respond quickly and decisively to emergency situations and to participate in shelter-in-place and disaster response protocols.
Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for providing care to specific patient populations.
Ability to lift, move, and position patients and equipment.
Current license from the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy
Valid Driver’s License
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), secure messaging applications, and collaborative tools (e.g.) Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace.
Proficient with Paycom and other Information Systems applicable to position.
Ability to thoroughly document clinical services, maintain accurate patient records, and effectively utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems i.e. EPIC.
Ability to analyze complex patient information to develop effective treatment strategies.
Apply logical problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex situations.
Make sound decisions in real time, often under pressure (early warning signs, inconsistencies, potential complications) using critical thinking.
Analyze data and scenarios to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and opportunities.
Evaluate multiple approaches and propose innovative solutions with sound judgement.
Able to work independently with limited supervision.
Adapt tone, style, and messaging for diverse audiences and contexts.
Ability to write high quality drafts, proposals, reports, and presentations.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one meetings as well as small and larger groups, i.e. employees, customers, vendors, community organizations, etc.
Collaborate across departments to relay messages and coordinate care smoothly.
Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculations in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations and in analysis of quality assurance data.
Ability to understand bar graphs and other visual representations of data.
Accurately record and interpret clinical measurements.
Use EMR systems and care documentation tools to analyze data trends and support treatment.
Understand and adhere to MMHC’s compliance standards as outlined in MMHC’s Compliance Program.
Attend all mandatory education programs and demonstrate proficiency related to general safety and regulatory compliance.
Attend all department-specific training, and demonstrate proficiency related to safety and job-related hazards.
Understand and follow MMHC procedures for exposure control / bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
Comply with all relevant MMHC policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory standards and requirements.
Attire is neat, clean, and appropriate for the work environment and according to MMHC policy.
Wear proper identification while on duty.
Maintain confidentiality of all MMHC and patient information at all times.
Report to work on time and maintain defined standards for attendance.
Attend mandatory meetings.
Able to perform essential job duties that meet job performance expectations and organizational standards while upholding MMHC mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Excellent communication and time management skills
Willingness and ability to develop program areas, do QA/QI studies to improve the services for patients.
Previous experience in a Critical Access Hospital.
Knowledge of CAH-specific regulations and rural health challenges.

Responsibilities

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 plan of care based on evaluation of patient data.
Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function.
Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities and in use of assistant and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
Administers treatments involving application of physical agents.
Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
Administers manual therapy.
Administers decompressive modalities such as mechanical traction.
Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart and/or enters information into computer for documentation.
Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home, including exercise, traction , etc.
Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to Orthotist.
Assessment & treatment for swing bed patients and number to be provided as recommended by payor source (ex. 5 of 7 days). Responsible for calculating needed dates of service.
Completes initial evaluation of patients and communicates transfers of care to PTA so that maximal skills of evaluation can be completed by PT.
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.
Adjusts to changing schedule and able to transition from in-patient, out-patient and home health.
Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.
Plans and conducts lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.
Plans and develops physical therapy research programs and participates in conducting research.
Provides ongoing reassessment and progression toward established goals for each patient.
Communicates appropriately with referral sources about patient’s status.
Documents services and maintains records as required by law, facility policies, and administrative regulations, and does so in a timely manner.
Consults and communicates with other members of the rehabilitation team to provide the best possible care for all patients.
Develops home programs for patient and family to continue after discharge. Educates family/caregivers/home health workers as needed.
Provides services to area home care agencies in order to service the greater Meeker Memorial Hospital area.
Responsibility for maintaining up to date licensure requirements.
Practices therapy consistent with the code of ethics of the Minnesota and American Physical Therapy Association.
Responds in timely manner to referrals and develops effective rapport with referring physicians.
Presents positive service-oriented approach with patients, patient families, facility staff and co-workers.
Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.
Assists with development of programs, revision of policies and procedures.
Serves as consultant to educational, medical and other professional groups.
Evaluates and treats physical therapy patients under physician’s orders.
Understands and complies with universal precautions, safety and risk policies and procedures.
Treats patient and supervises treatment plans needed to progress patient.
Assist with department Q.I. reports and records.
Assist with orientation of new staff, volunteers and students.
Utilizes and maintains equipment, requests supplies as needed.
Ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity in the physical therapy department.
Maintains positive relationships with health care team, patient and family.