Physical Therapist - Inpatient - Per Diem
About The Position
Cayuga Health is hiring a per diem Physical Therapist to provide inpatient physical therapy onsite at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York. The therapist reviews patient charts, determines appropriateness for PT, selects and conducts examinations, and creates person- and goal-centered plans of care guided by evidence-based practice. They assess patient responses and progress, adjust interventions and plans as needed, and document clinical decision-making clearly. The role involves communicating with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members; identifying safety concerns and contraindications; and contributing to discharge planning, including recommendations for destination, support, services, follow-up, equipment, and caregiver training. The position may be scheduled during various shifts to support departmental coverage needs. Local travel of 0% to 5% may be expected.
Requirements
- Successful completion of an accredited physical therapy program at the bachelor's, master's, or doctorate level.
- Current New York State Physical Therapy license.
- Current CPR certification.
- Complete yearly mandatory safety trainings and e-learning courses.
- Ability to move or lift patients with assistance.
- Ability to use hands and fingers repetitively, such as when using a computer keyboard.
- Ability to sit, walk, or stand for long periods.
- Ability to physically operate equipment used for the job.
Nice To Haves
- Problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Time management skills.
- Flexibility in prioritizing and adjusting workload.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Review patient charts and determine whether physical therapy is appropriate.
- Choose appropriate examinations and integrate findings into comprehensive, person- and goal-centered plans of care.
- Use evidence-based practice to guide clinical decisions and therapy intensity; assess responses and adjust interventions and plans of care.
- Communicate appropriately with patients based on age, learning style, cognition, and culture, and educate patients and caregivers compassionately.
- Communicate patient needs and barriers to the interdisciplinary team to facilitate throughput, maintaining professional communication including during challenging or crucial conversations.
- Identify relative and absolute contraindications using the medical record and patient presentation; assess the patient and environment for safe movement barriers.
- Maintain expertise in the use of safe patient handling equipment.
- Progress interventions toward patient goals, reassess progress, and adjust the plan of care.
- Produce clear, defensible documentation supporting clinical decision-making and communicate promptly when needed for safe, coordinated care.
- Determine discharge destination, support level, additional services, follow-up needs, and equipment needs based on the patient's circumstances and functional status.
- Provide caregiver training as appropriate.
Benefits
- Competitive wages.
- Comprehensive benefits.
- Professional development opportunities.
