Physical Therapist

Arbor Health, Morton Hospital is looking for an exceptional Physical Therapist to join our team.

Physical Therapy's primary focus is on patients with neuro-muscular, skeletal, and developmental disorders and evaluating the level of function related to these disorders.

This leads to the selection and implementation of appropriate therapeutic procedures to maintain, improve, or restore these functions.

Physical therapy incorporates a broad spectrum of activities such as direct patient care, multidisciplinary interchange, supervision of PTA's and Rehab Aide, mentoring, research, and community service.

It also accepts responsibility for education at many levels, assisting in the recruitment of rehab personnel, and working within ethical standards of practice for the welfare of patients and its' own members.

The physical therapist :

Evaluates and treats patients referred for physical therapy.

Directs and assists patients in a program of strength and flexibility exercises, muscle re-education, transfers, balance training, gait training, pain relief and orthotic / prosthetic use.

Performs physical therapy treatments using such physical modalities as heat, cold, water, massage, manual techniques, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation, and other modalities as per training.

Required education and experience

Current Physical Therapist, Washington state license in good standing required.

CPR / BLS certification required or obtain within 30 days of hire.

Graduate of an approved PT program with a BS PT, MPT, MS PT or DPT may be required.

Two years' experience preferred in outpatient setting, one year inpatient or SNF preferred. New graduates accepted.

Understanding of physical therapy modalities and procedures. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with peers and other health care providers.

Primary job responsibilities

Evaluation Skills : The ability to assess a patient's condition in order to initiate appropriate treatment, or change existing treatment plan.

Uses the department forms, protocols, and programs to complete evaluation. Appropriately delegates to Physical Therapist Assistant.

Is consistently aware of patient's status. Seeks additional needed information from MD, other staff, family etc. Demonstrates ongoing evaluation through reassessment with appropriate changes documented and implemented.

Makes appropriate referrals as needed. Able to treat on land as well as in an aquatic environment.

Patient Education : The ability to instruct a patient to achieve maximum compliance with treatment program. Question patient for understanding of program.

Generally speaks in terms appropriate to patient's understanding. Consistently documents program given to patient. Is familiar with the stages of growth and development as well as normal signs of aging and provides appropriate care.

Competency is provided through professional education, experience and training, continuing education program, in-service and literature.

Progression of Patients : The ability to progress patient treatment to achieve optimal results in a minimal amount of time.

Schedules frequency and duration of treatments appropriately. Displays realistic outlook when determining the number of treatments necessary for patient.

Sets timely goals and communicates them to the patient so they can understand their progress.

Patient Follow-up : The ability to progress and maintain continuity of patient care. Once patient given to PTA, follows patient at least weekly.

Tries to keep patient on their own or one PTA s schedule once initial evaluation is done.

MD Relations : The ability to communicate with physicians regarding patients and the health care system. Consistently communicates patient's condition to physician with appropriate documentation.

Occasionally attends care conferences.

Individual Participation : Monitors own performance and identified supervisory needs. Participates in the fieldwork education process.

Fits patients, adjusts and trains in use and care of orthoses, prosthesis and assistive devices. Performs department orientation to other Rehabilitation staff when assigned.

Training and Competency : Attends at least one continuing education experience during the appraisal year, either in-house or an outside offering.

Competency is provided through professional education, experience and training, continuing education programs, in-service and literature.

Participates in revision of policies and procedures throughout Lucidoc. Review and revisions are completed within the time frame allowed by document management program.

Is responsible for own patient case load regarding follow-up with front office on scheduling, troubleshooting insurance issues, reminder phone calls, etc.

Ensures equipment is being maintained by reporting malfunction to Rehabilitation Services Manager.

Assists in providing interpretation of therapy referrals, staff care, and preforms other duties as assigned by the Rehabilitation Services Manager.

Appropriate Documentation and Quality Measures : Documents care as required. Maintains records required by clinical setting, third party payors, and regulatory agencies.

Performs continuing quality improvement activities and program evaluation using predetermined criteria and adapting program to elicit the best possible patient outcomes.

Standard for portrayal of mission and values

Employee demonstrates and fosters the Lewis County Hospital District No. 1 values of achievement, creativity and innovation, teamwork, quality, and integrity.

Employee demonstrates and fosters the mission of Lewis County Hospital District No. 1 to provide our highest level of compassionate, diligent and professional medical care.

Is cooperative and supportive to others within the department and hospital providing care and services.

Treats individuals including patients, co-workers, supervisors, management, patient families, physicians, volunteers, visitors and others with respect, dignity and fairness.

Behaves professionally and ethically in all interactions with patients, co-workers, supervisors, management, patients' families, physicians volunteers, and others.

Is consistently courteous to patients, co-workers, supervisors, management, patient s families, physicians, volunteers and others;

greets individuals and provides assistance and direction in an attentive and helpful manner.

Willingly strives at continuous quality improvement to achieve quality work the first time every time.

Is willing to learn new procedures and develop new skills for the purpose of improving quality of care and services.

Willingly participates as a member of work team(s) supporting the goals and objectives of the department and the district.

When answering the telephone, is courteous to caller, clearly identifies department, name and takes a message or directs calls as necessary in a helpful manner.