Physical Therapist - Temporary/ Acute Care BWH
About The Position
The staff physical therapist provides inpatient acute-care physical therapy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana-Farber Inpatient Hospital within BWH. The position covers multiple leaves of absence and is temporary, with an expected duration of six months; the hospital may extend or shorten the appointment based on operational or clinical needs. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, on the day shift, and includes rotation through weekend coverage. The therapist examines and evaluates patients, develops diagnoses and treatment plans with patients and/or caregivers, and provides care aimed at maximizing function. The position serves diverse adult inpatient populations and may rotate across clinical teams that cover orthopedics and trauma, cardiovascular care, thoracic and pulmonary care, oncology, neurology, general medicine, and the Emergency Department. Therapists collaborate with rehabilitation disciplines and the broader multidisciplinary team, manage an assigned caseload, and may supervise support personnel and students. The role offers mentorship, internal continuing education, financial support for courses and conferences, and a formal mentorship program. Clinicians may also participate in departmental committees and pursue advancement through a merit-based clinical ladder. The position requires a current unrestricted Massachusetts physical therapy license and a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program. It is performed onsite in a hospital environment with exposure to clinical hazards and physical demands.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program.
- Current unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work with a diverse patient population and varying diagnoses and case types.
- Analytical ability and sound physical therapy knowledge to manage a varied caseload using sound clinical decision-making and judgment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for interactions with patients, rehabilitation and medical teams, and patients’ families.
- Ability to work with patients across age groups, from newborns when assigned through the oldest adults, and demonstrate age-appropriate examination, evaluation, and treatment competency.
- Ability to perform prolonged walking and standing, lift, transfer, and position patients and equipment, and transport patients.
- Ability to work with critically ill patients in a setting that can involve stress and mental fatigue.
Responsibilities
- Examine and evaluate patients’ physical therapy needs, formulate a diagnosis with the patient and/or caregiver, and develop treatment plans and goals to maximize function.
- Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skills appropriate to patient case types in the assigned area of care.
- Consult with other health care team members to coordinate and support effective therapies.
- Assist with triaging, prioritizing, and monitoring admissions, referrals, and discharges as assigned.
- Manage an assigned patient caseload.
- Participate in activities that increase professional knowledge and skills.
- Participate in departmental meetings concerning policies, procedures, and program development.
- Assist with supervision and education of aides, assistants, and other support personnel, as appropriate.
- Supervise students and others seeking educational experiences related to physical therapy.
- Enter patient charges accurately and promptly when supported by medical documentation, and manage hospital and department equipment appropriately and cost-effectively.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Mentorship from experienced clinicians and access to a formal mentorship program.
- Internal continuing education programming.
- Financial support for continuing education courses and conferences.
- Career advancement opportunities through a merit-based clinical ladder.
- Comprehensive benefits, as applicable.
- Differentials, premiums, and bonuses, as applicable.
- Recognition programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
