Relief Physical Therapist

Within the scope of practice, the Relief Physical Therapists at LPCHS provide intervention from infancy to adulthood to enhance performance and to optimize movement, development, and function. Under the guidance of Rehab Management, the Relief Physical Therapist performs physical therapy care and is responsible for all clinical aspects for patients including evaluation and treatment planning and progression.

Essential Functions:

• Performs patient care tasks with medically complicated patient populations.
• Determines rehab prognosis and implements the clinically indicated therapy plan of care. Determines the therapy diagnosis to address impairments and functional movement limitations.
• Selects and administers appropriate assessment and treatment techniques during all phases of the rehabilitation process.
• Evaluates, recommends, and trains on the use of durable medical equipment. May fabricate devices as clinically indicated.
• Discharges patients from treatment as clinically indicated, with adequate discharge planning including equipment procurement and patient/family training.
• Communicates discharge plan appropriately to patient, family, and health care team.
• Identifies needs for equipment repair or upgrade to maintain quality of care.
• Makes recommendations for selection and purchase of specific equipment and supplies.
• Initiates and participates in interdisciplinary care planning to meet the needs of each patient and family, including participation in rounds and patient care conferences and communicating with and instructing other care providers.
• May contact community agencies as necessary to provide continuity of service between hospital and community.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Sound clinical reasoning skills consistent with standards of care and professional practice standards; demonstrates good safety awareness, judgment and problem analysis and resolution.
• Knowledge of legal issues affecting the clinical practice.
• Knowledge of regulatory practice requirements.
• Knowledge of available equipment and vendors used in assigned area.
• Ability to work well and build relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of evaluation and treatment methodologies as applied to complex patient care; demonstrates self-directed learning skills to remain current with evidence-based practice.
• Ability to manage clinical caseload.