Job Summary
The Physical Therapist organizes and conducts medically prescribed Physical Therapy to relieve pain, restore function, evaluate and prevent disability following disease, injury, or loss of a body part; helps the patient reach maximum performance and assume a place in society while learning to live within the limits of his or her capabilities; plans therapy programs for each patient involving physical means; such as exercise, massage, manual therapy, heat, water, light, and electricity as prescribed by the referring physician; applies diagnostic and prognostic tests for muscles, nerves, and joints, and functional ability tests; directs and aides patients in active and passive exercises, muscle reeducation, and gait and functional training using machines and weights, steps, and inclined services; makes use of equipment such as low and high volt generators, diathermy, and ultrasound machines gives whirlpools and contrast baths and applies moist heat packs; trats burned and open wound patients as directed by the physician; directs patients in the care and use of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, braces, canes, and prosthetic and orthotic devices; gives instructions in postural control and therapeutic exercise to be continued by the patient; performs initial evaluations, re-evaluations, and records patient's progress for review by other members of the rehabilitation team; may supervise activities of assistants, aides, and volunteer workers; may conduct or participate in training medical and nursing students, employers, and workers in physical therapy techniques and objective.
Physical Requirements
- The ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
- The ability to consistently lift, push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. (Unless nursing 50)
- Sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes, assist with patient care, and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
- Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
- May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
- May have to handle emergency situations.
- May be subject to irregular hours.
- May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection, face protection, masks, sterile/nonsterile gloves, isolation gowns.
- May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.
- Physical activities include continuous sitting, and occasional walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
- Activity Conditions (Occasionally, Frequently, Continuously):
- Sitting- Occasionally
- Walking- Continuously
- Standing- Continuously
- Bending-Frequently
- Squatting- Frequently
- Climbing-Occasionally
- Kneeling-Occasionally
- Twisting-Occasionally
Visual and Hearing Requirements
Working Conditions
Primarily Works in a well-lighted and air-conditioned environment with period of heavy workload and stress. Works in various conditions.
Performance: Essential Functions
Decision Making: Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have. Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor, manager, or team member when appropriate.
Time Management: Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.
Quality & Quantity: Demonstrates accurate, knowledge and skill to carry out job duties. Follows departmental work policies and procedures. Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.
Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use: Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties, including electronic documentation, and order entry.
Resource Utilization: Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.
Confidentiality: Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as applicable by Shannon Policy.