Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapist

Description

Job Summary

The Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for evaluating and treating patients admitted to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) who are recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. The PT provides evidence-based, goal-oriented therapy to improve mobility, functional independence, and quality of life. The PT collaborates closely with an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans and ensures safe discharge planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, functional, and mobility assessments.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable short- and long-term goals.
• Deliver direct physical therapy interventions (e.g., therapeutic exercise, gait training, transfer training, balance and coordination activities).
• Monitor and document patient progress toward rehabilitation goals.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team conferences and discharge planning meetings.
• Educate patients and families on home exercise programs, safety, and assistive devices.
• Collaborate with nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physicians, case management, and other team members.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards (e.g., CMS, Joint Commission).
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of equipment and therapy environment.
• Adhere to ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice as defined by the APTA and applicable state licensure laws.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program (DPT, MSPT, or equivalent)
• Current state license (or eligible) to practice Physical Therapy
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Preferred:

• 1+ year experience in an inpatient rehab or acute care setting
• Certification in neurological or orthopedic rehab (e.g., NCS, GCS)
• Familiarity with FIM/IRF-PAI (or CARE Item Set) documentation tools

Skills and Abilities

• Strong clinical reasoning and assessment skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-based environment
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR)
• Compassionate, patient-focused approach to care

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to assist patients with mobility and transfers
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations

Work Schedule

• Typically 8-hour shifts; may include weekends and holidays
• Participation in rotating weekend coverage and on-call, as needed

Job Details

Legal Employer: Lenoir Health

Entity: UNC Lenoir Health Care

Organization Unit: Ip Rehab Facility

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: LENOIR MEM

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes