Job Description

The REGISTRY PHYSICAL THERAPIST reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers physical therapy evaluations and develops collaborative treatment plans with patients.
• Restores function and prevents further disability through ongoing assessment leading to appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Provides direct patient care for an established 65% of hours worked.
• Performs appropriate physical therapy evaluations and re-evaluations on a regular basis.
• Designs and implements appropriate treatment plans.
• Participates in patient discharge and home care planning to facilitate the continuity of patient care.
• Completes all related medical documentation in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance with established policies and standards.
• Demonstrates competency through the annual completion of the written and/or demonstration-style competency examinations.
• Promotes philosophy and objectives of NMH.
• Promotes and maintains professional working relationship with peers.
• Maintains/promotes open communication with internal contacts, such as nursing and social work.
• Adheres to the Hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics, Customer Service Standards and the Patients First mission as demonstrated through positive patient/guest relations, positive and effective interactions with staff, formulating and meeting developmental goals.
• Works a minimum of two days per month.
• Demonstrates responsibility for assessing, treating, caring for adults (18-64 years), and geriatrics (65+) from a developmental perspective.
• Physical/Visual/Mental Qualifications of the Position:
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:
  • Visually observe, interpret and document patient's verbal and behavioral responses during assessment and treatment activities.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with physicians, patients, families, guests and other members of the health care team.
  • Respond to emergency signals and indicators.
  • Push/pull patients in wheelchairs (100-300 lbs.) for short distances.
  • Push/pull supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Lift patients up to 80 lbs. or with assistance up to 200 lbs.
  • Provide physical assistance to patients during mobility training.
  • Display concentration and attention span for brief and extended periods of time (up to 90 minutes) to perform tasks including patient evaluations, patient treatments, participation discharge panels, participation in continuing education activities.
  • Commute between office space and patient treatment locations.
• The work involves potential risks which require use of safety precautions, use of safe practices with patients, clinical and office equipment (including universal precautions), avoidance of trips and falls, use of body mechanics, and observation of fire and safety regulations. It is the responsibility of the employee to be familiar and compliant with these procedures.
• Supervises students within department clinical education guidelines.
• Delegates appropriate responsibilities to Certified Physical Therapy Assistants.
• Assists in monitoring of quality management indicators.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Physical Therapy License, Illinois.
• Department of Professional Regulations.
• Basic Life Support - American Heart Association.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy if graduate prior to 2002. Master's degree in Physical Therapy or Doctorate of Physical Therapy on or after 2002.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.