Physical Therapist - Acute Physical Therapy

CHRISTUS Health•Beaumont, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of the health care team, the Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients whose ability to function is impaired by disease or injury. The role uses therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation procedures, and physical agents within the scope of a licensed physical therapist and collaborates with hospital personnel to ensure quality patient care. The therapist may supervise physical therapist assistants (PTAs), therapy technicians, and student interns. The therapist gathers and interprets patient information, performs assessments and reassessments, develops measurable treatment goals, identifies equipment and wound-care needs, and delivers treatment plans that address patient deficits and discharge needs. They monitor patients during treatment, apply clinical judgment, use research-based treatments, and communicate findings or adverse reactions to physicians, supervising therapists, and nursing staff. The role includes educating patients and families, contributing to discharge planning and team conferences, coordinating care across departments, and completing clear, timely documentation. The therapist is also responsible for managing time and productivity, participating in department activities and professional development, maintaining licensure and CPR certification, and following hospital procedures, safety requirements, and HIPAA guidelines.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of Physical Therapy with a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.
Must be licensed in the state of Texas as a physical therapist.
American Heart Association BLS certification within two weeks of employment.
Graduate or experienced therapist.

Responsibilities

Gather relevant patient information from charts and caregivers, consult physicians as needed, and independently assess assigned patient types.
Recognize when additional testing or assistance is needed; interpret results and formulate realistic, measurable treatment goals.
Reassess patient progress according to department and regulatory policy, update goals and care plans, and document progress clearly.
Identify appropriate equipment and wound-care needs, discuss options with patients and families, and make referrals as appropriate.
Independently deliver treatment plans that address identified problems, functional deficits, and discharge needs.
Monitor patients during treatment, use sound clinical judgment, and report adverse reactions or findings to physicians, supervising PTs, and nursing staff.
Use modalities appropriately, observe contraindications, and seek out research-based treatments and current wound-care protocols.
Explain the role of physical therapy and educate patients and families, including providing and checking understanding of home exercise programs.
Prepare for team and supervision conferences, report patient status objectively, and contribute to timely discharge planning and continuity of care.
Work effectively across departments and coordinate with supervisors and peers to support patient care and staffing needs.
Manage time and caseload, meet supervision and reassessment requirements, and meet the productivity standard 90% of the time.
Complete documentation that supports the need for skilled therapy and enables continuity of care by other therapists.
Attend at least 85% of department meetings, participate in problem solving and clinical development, and complete required competencies and annual self-assessment.
Research equipment needs, recommend equipment, and remove faulty equipment from service while notifying appropriate personnel.
Maintain state licensure and AHA CPR certification and participate in clinical student affiliations as an instructor or adjunct supervisor.
Follow hospital procedures for attendance, reporting, dress, hygiene, identification badges, safety, infection control, and HIPAA.
Apply knowledge of growth and development from infancy through geriatrics and modify interventions for each stage.