Description
Part-Time Inpatient Physical Therapist
Department: Inpatient & Swing Bed Rehabilitation
Schedule: 16–24 hours/week; primarily Monday–Friday with some flexibility
Reports to: Rehab Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
The Part-Time Inpatient Physical Therapist provides physical therapy services for acute care and swing bed patients within a rural Critical Access Hospital (CAH). The PT plays a key role in supporting patient recovery, functional independence, and safe discharge planning.
This position offers meaningful autonomy within a small, collaborative team and includes a caseload of post-operative, general medical, and mobility-related conditions. New graduates with strong clinical training are encouraged to apply. No on-call responsibilities; holiday coverage may be flexed collaboratively within the team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Clinical Care
- Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations for acute care and swing bed patients.
- Develop individualized treatment plans focused on functional mobility, strength, balance, gait, and safe discharge readiness.
- Provide evidence-based interventions including therapeutic exercise, mobility training, gait training, and functional safety assessments.
- Reassess patient progress and update goals and interventions accordingly.
- Provide patient and caregiver education to support recovery and safe transitions of care.
- Recommend and train patients in the use of assistive devices and mobility aids.
- Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospital and CMS inpatient therapy requirements.
Inpatient & Swing Bed Responsibilities
- Support acute and swing bed patients recovering from surgery, illness, injury, or functional decline.
- Collaborate with nursing, providers, and case management to determine rehabilitation needs and discharge plans.
- Assist with fall prevention strategies, mobility assessments, and functional safety evaluations.
- Participate in interdisciplinary care planning meetings as needed.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Communicate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, case management, and rehabilitation team members.
- Coordinate care with OT, ST, and support staff to ensure comprehensive patient management.
Compliance & Safety
- Adhere to HIPAA, CMS inpatient therapy regulations, CAH standards, and hospital policies.
- Follow safe patient handling and mobility protocols.
- Ensure proper use and maintenance of therapy equipment.
- Support infection prevention and patient safety practices.
Professional Practice
- Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives and continuing education.
- Maintain professional conduct consistent with evidence-based practice and ethical standards.
- Provide support across care settings based on patient volume and departmental needs.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Licensure
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent from an accredited program.
- Current Texas Physical Therapist license (or eligibility upon hire).
- Current BLS/CPR certification.
Experience
- Acute care or hospital-based experience preferred.
- Experience with swing bed programs or rural healthcare beneficial.
- New graduates considered based on clinical competency.
Technical Skills
- Strong skills in evaluation, functional mobility training, gait training, and therapeutic exercise.
- Ability to adapt treatment approaches for medically complex and post-operative patients.
- Proficiency with electronic medical record systems.
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong clinical reasoning, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently with autonomy while contributing to a small, collaborative team.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
- Ability to assist patients with transfers, mobility training, and therapeutic activities.
- Ability to lift or safely manage loads of 50+ pounds as needed.
- Manual dexterity to operate therapy equipment.
- Adequate visual and auditory ability to assess patient mobility and response to treatment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Acute care and swing bed rehabilitation within a rural CAH setting.
- Exposure to infectious diseases and typical hospital environments.
- Collaborative, community-focused team environment.
