Physical Therapist

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus of $5000 (with a 2-year commitment) or $7500 (with a 3-year commitment)

Job Summary

Restore patient's function, alleviates pain, and prevents disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed physical therapy.

Essential Functions

Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization

Responsible for in-patient and out-patient care

Meet the patient's goals and needs and provide quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining physical therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription.

Help patient accomplish treatment plan by administering resistive exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as home exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities and in using assistive and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses

Administer physical therapy treatments by giving massages; initiating traction; applying physical agents; modalities such as moist packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation; directing treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants

Evaluate effects of physical therapy treatments and fit of prosthetic and orthotic devices by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications

Complete discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences

Ensure continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs

Document patient care services by charting in patient and department record

Maintain patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential

Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations

Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols

Ensure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs

Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies

Develop physical therapy staff by providing information; developing and conducting in-service training programs

Comply with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions

Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Non-Essential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned

Professional Requirements

Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

Complete annual education requirements.

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Report to work on time and as scheduled.

Wear identification while on duty.

Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.

Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.

Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.

Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.

Attend regular staff meetings and in-services.

Qualifications

Must be licensed in the State of New Mexico

Minimum two (2) years experience preferred

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or must be obtained within 30 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of physical therapy modalities and treatment protocols

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations

Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude

Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work

Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information

Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

Working regular hours including call hours and weekends as required

Physically demanding, high-stress environment

Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions

Pushing and pulling heavy objects

Functional range of body motion including handling and lifting patients

Position requires light to moderate work with 50 pounds maximum weight to lift and carry.

Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing.