Physical Therapist in Chicago, Illinois at RML Specialty Hospital

The staff physical therapist reports to the Director of Rehabilitation Services, and functions under the supervision of the Director or Manager of Rehabilitation Services. The physical therapist evaluates the physical therapy needs of assigned patients, establishes goals with the patient and plans, develops and implements individual physical therapy programs designed to improve patient mobility and independent function. The physical therapist provides age and developmentally appropriate care to adults and geriatric patients.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the Mission and Vision of RML Specialty Hospital by demonstrating RML's Core Values of Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Stewardship (STAIRS) in all actions. Promotes a positive patient/customer experience by exemplifying the principles of the Language of Caring in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers.

• Evaluates the patient’s abilities by administering age-appropriate standardized tests, visual observation, review of patient’s medical information and, in collaboration with the treatment team, determines patient’s joint range of motion, muscle strength and coordination, functional mobility, physical tolerance and endurance.

• In collaboration with the patient, family and treatment team plans an age specific program to meet each patient’s individual treatment goals to promote the highest level of function and independence possible.

• Provides physical therapy treatment to an adult and elderly population that includes, but is not limited to:

  • Facilitation techniques for muscle re-education

  • Strengthening exercises

  • Endurance training

  • Range of Motion exercises

  • Wheelchair mobility training

  • Gait training

  • Static and Dynamic Balance training

  • Transfer training

  • Bed mobility training

  • Functional mobility training
    
    

• In collaboration with the patient, family and treatment team, orders wheelchairs and equipment needed for rehabilitation training and for independent function.

• Documents patient evaluation and progress in the computerized medical record. Completes and logs patient charges. Completes discharge summaries.

• Participates in or prepares reports for Medically Complex Service interdisciplinary team meetings, staffings and rounds to report patient’s response to treatment, patient progress, and to plan and/or modify the treatment plan.

• Provides family education and encourages family participation in carrying out learned rehabilitation strategies.

• In collaboration with the treatment team, assists the patient in recognizing and adjusting to the limitations of the disability.

• Recommends further therapy as appropriate.

• Provides services in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics, the Physical Therapy Practice Act of the State of Illinois and the policies, procedures and standards of RML Specialty Hospital. Manages time, resources and supplies effectively and productively.

• Identifies and addresses opportunities to improve work processes or patient care outcomes, particularly related to improving patient safety. Participates in department and facility Performance Improvement initiatives as requested. Implements all applicable components of patient safety goals.

• Assists in the orientation of new department staff, serving as preceptor for new staff or students as requested. Provides education for staff of other disciplines in rehab therapy principles and techniques, as assigned.

• Responsible for supporting a safe work environment for self and others, by reporting unsafe conditions, and by using appropriate safe work practices such as proper body mechanics and applicable safety devices (patient lift and transfer equipment, PPE, etc.)

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

MINIMUM

PREFERRED

Skills & Abilities

1) The ability to communicate effectively with patients, family and team members in order to elicit their cooperation in the provision of services and meet the patient’s rehabilitation goals.

2) Organizational skills to plan and implement age-appropriate physical therapy programs and interventions for a diverse patient population.

3) The physical ability to transfer and position patients, move equipment as necessary, and operate all department equipment related to physical therapy interventions.

Knowledge & Experience

1) A bachelors, or entry-level masters or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from a university accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE.)

2) Experience in an acute care or ICU environment and/or inpatient rehabilitation hospital; alternate experience of a student clinical affiliation in an acute care setting.

2 years clinical experience in an acute care hospital with ICU experience, and/or inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

License/Certification

1) Current Illinois license as a Licensed Physical Therapist.

2) Current CPR certification.

Working Conditions

Work will be performed in a hospital patient care setting including at the patient’s bedside and in an organized therapy department.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.