Full Time Physical Therapist, Outpatient

St. Lukes Hospital•Quakertown, PA

About The Position

The Physical Therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and manages patients with physical impairments and functional limitations to maximize their functional abilities. The role designs and implements individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s goals and needs, and educates patients and families on preventing or managing conditions to promote health and wellness. The Physical Therapist provides outpatient care, monitors and documents patient progress and outcomes, collaborates with patients and other healthcare providers, and may supervise Physical Therapy Assistants, students, and observers. The role also supports department programs, quality improvement, professional development, and the efficient, safe operation of the department.

Requirements

Doctoral, master’s, or bachelor’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program, or a physical therapy certificate.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or equivalent, required upon hire or to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Current Physical Therapist license in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, depending on work location.
Successful completion of required affiliations.
At least one year of experience as a physical therapist in an outpatient setting.
CPR certification.
Ability to sit for up to 90 minutes at a time and stand for 30 to 45 minutes consecutively.
Ability to use hands and fingers to manipulate machine dials; occasionally stoop or bend, squat, crouch, kneel, and reach above shoulder level.
Ability to lift and move patients weighing up to 50 pounds and push or pull patients weighing up to 50 pounds.
Tactile sensation sufficient to assess muscle spasms, texture, and skin temperature; hearing sufficient for normal conversation; and vision sufficient for general vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.
Ability to work within the physical therapy practice guidelines defined by the applicable state law.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive initial evaluations, identify functional deficits, and develop treatment plans to improve mobility, manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Provide skilled interventions tailored to patients’ needs and preferences using appropriate techniques, modalities, and equipment.
Collaborate with patients to establish short- and long-term goals.
Communicate respectfully and effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers while ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
Manage patients through direct or indirect treatment, or referral to another provider when appropriate.
Establish and update diagnoses, prognoses, and plans of care using available evidence and clinical reasoning.
Review and document patient medical history, evaluation findings, treatment plans, treatment responses, and changes in status.
Educate patients and family members about prognosis and care options.
Assist in developing and implementing department programs.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, continuing education, and professional development.
Monitor and document patient progress, outcomes, and satisfaction with services.
Share clinical knowledge and techniques to improve patient care.
Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants, PT and PTA students, and observers as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with Network and departmental policies, safety requirements, reporting requirements, and professional ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
Demonstrate the Network’s Service Excellence Standards and contribute to performance improvement in clinical care, customer service, operations, and safety.
Use resources effectively and efficiently and comply with attendance and dress-code policies.
Demonstrate competency in assessment, treatment range, growth and development, and age-appropriate communication.
Attend designated or requested meetings, including multidisciplinary meetings as applicable.
Accurately bill patient accounts for services rendered.
Provide in-services to PT department staff and others and participate in QI data collection and planning.
Clean and order supplies as assigned by the facility director.
Perform other related duties as assigned, such as peer record review.