Physical Therapist

University of Utah Health•South Jordan, UT

14d

About The Position

This position evaluates and implements physical therapy for patients with neurological, burn/wound, or musculoskeletal injuries, as well as patients with other acute or chronic physical disabilities. Therapy techniques are used to relieve pain, restore physical functioning, and facilitate independence. The incumbent may also help prevent disabilities or injury recurrence and may access and administer medications within the scope of practice and in accordance with state law. University of Utah Health is a patient-focused organization dedicated to enhancing health and well-being through patient care, research, and education. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center, nationally recognized for academic research, quality standards, and patient experience. Its five hospitals and eleven clinics provide comprehensive services and medical advancement.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a Physical Therapist in Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the Physical Therapy Compact if changing residency to Utah.
Maintain a current Physical Therapy Compact (multistate) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.
Obtain a current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system within 30 days of hire.
Meet additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Current knowledge of patient treatment safety, including body substance precautions and body mechanics that protect the therapist, patients, and personnel.
Ability to participate in rotations of work areas, weekends, weekday hours, and assigned holidays.
Ability to follow American Physical Therapy Association ethical guidelines.
Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served on the assigned unit.
Knowledge of lifespan growth and development principles and ability to assess patient-status data and provide care according to departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to meet the physical demands with or without accommodation, including lifting, standing, and walking; the role may involve moving patients or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and assess patients’ abilities and limitations.
Establish treatment plans and goals based on referrals and evaluations of functional skills, joint mobility, gait, developmental reflexes, muscle strength and tone, coordination, sensation, and other measures.
Implement therapy according to the established plan using appropriate physical therapy procedures, equipment, and techniques within the scope of practice.
Participate in wound management, which may include wound debridement, dressing changes, exercise, stretching, and splinting.
Recommend adaptive equipment, complete equipment justification forms, and arrange equipment delivery.
Re-evaluate patients, assess progress, and make discharge recommendations.
Consult and co-treat with other patient care team members to discuss progress, set treatment objectives, and integrate physical treatment with other activities.
Educate patients and/or caregivers about evaluation findings, treatment goals and plans, home programs, injury prevention, and related information.
Evaluate home or work environments and recommend physical barrier modifications or ergonomic changes.
Assist with departmental program development and train physical therapy students as needed.
Provide in-services for staff, other departments, and the community as needed.
Document patient care according to established criteria.
Participate in continuous quality improvement projects.
Supervise patient care activities performed by aides, assistants, attendants, students, and volunteers.
Participate in in-services, medical conferences, staff meetings, continuing education courses, team meetings, and related activities.