Therapy Pathways Program - Outpatient - (Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy)

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Therapy Pathways Program is a structured career development and rotational program for physical and occupational therapists, providing clinical experiences across multiple care settings and patient populations. Two cohorts are planned annually, with start dates in August and December. Rotational placements are based on organizational needs and participant interests, and assignments are communicated at least 30 days before each rotation. Potential placements include Mary Free Bed Outpatient Clinics in West Michigan, adult inpatient rehabilitation, pediatric inpatient rehabilitation, and Trinity acute care. Participants may travel up to 50 miles from the GR Main Campus. Program completion does not guarantee a permanent position; participants may apply for internal opportunities after six months of service. Cohorts range from one to three participants based on applicant qualifications. The position assumes full responsibility for evaluating patients’ physical therapy needs and planning and delivering individualized treatment in accordance with Michigan licensure and the physical therapy scope of practice. The therapist maintains and develops clinical skills through continuing education, evidence-based research, and program development, and carries out responsibilities in support of program and organizational goals. The role requires care appropriate to the ages of patients served and knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan. The position is full-time, with 40 scheduled hours per week, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inpatient rotations require work every fourth weekend; outpatient rotations have no weekend work. Compensation starts at $36.54, with eligibility for an increase based on experience. Annual merit increases and medical, dental, and vision benefits are offered.

Requirements

Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited program.
Hold and maintain licensure in each U.S. state or territory where practicing, meeting the applicable state requirements.
Possess and maintain BLS certification in accordance with department or program protocol.
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served, including knowledge of lifespan growth and development.
Be able to meet the role’s physical requirements, including frequent positioning, communication, and exertion or transport of weights up to 75 pounds, and occasional exertion or transport of more than 100 pounds.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care, treatment, and services within the scope of licensure, certification, registration, and applicable laws and regulations.
Evaluate patient conditions and physical therapy needs.
Establish patient-centered treatment goals with patients, families, and the treatment team; write and administer treatment plans, and delegate responsibilities to physical therapist assistants and rehabilitation technicians when appropriate.
Re-evaluate patient status and treatment effects, revise plans as needed, and review revised goals with patients and families as appropriate.
Evaluate the need for medical equipment, order appropriate equipment, assess it upon delivery, and instruct patients, families, and health care workers in its use.
Participate in discharge planning, considering and communicating with patients, families, community supports and services, and environmental limitations.
Document patient status and progress in evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries according to internal and external time standards and reimbursement guidelines.
Coordinate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient care through interdisciplinary discussions, conferences, and written records.
Educate patients and families about physical therapy procedures, providing written instructions as necessary.
Attend designated meetings and in-services.
Follow hospital policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality and infection control requirements.
Meet or exceed program productivity expectations and clinical outcome collection and performance-improvement goals established by department leadership.
Provide discipline-specific coverage within the Mary Free Bed system as requested after cross-training.
Follow Mary Free Bed Standards of Behavior and support program operations as assigned.
As needed, participate in new-staff orientation and training, supervise and teach physical therapy students as a clinical instructor, and contribute to program development or research activities.
Demonstrate excellent customer service, promote teamwork and direct communication, handle confidential information discreetly, and contribute to quality-improvement efforts by identifying problems, seeking solutions, and supporting patient and family satisfaction.