Physical Therapist (PRN)

Job Details: Job Location: Coal County General Hospital

• Coalgate, OK, Position Type: Per Diem, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: Any, Position Summary The Physical Therapist provides skilled physical therapy services to patients across the continuum of care within a Critical Access Hospital, including acute inpatient care, Swing Bed rehabilitation, and outpatient services as assigned. The Physical Therapist evaluates patients, establishes individualized treatment plans, implements evidence-based interventions, and monitors patient progress to promote functional independence, mobility, safety, and quality of life. The Physical Therapist plays an integral role in the hospital's Swing Bed program by providing skilled rehabilitation to patients who require continued nursing care and therapy following an acute illness, injury, surgery, or hospitalization. The position works collaboratively with physicians, nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, case management, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to support appropriate transitions of care and safe discharge to the least restrictive setting. The Physical Therapist is expected to function independently within the scope of professional practice while contributing to the overall success of the hospital's rehabilitation services and rural healthcare mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Patient Evaluation and Treatment Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, including assessment of strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, endurance, mobility, gait, transfers, and functional limitations. Develop individualized plans of care with measurable, patient-centered goals based on medical status, functional needs, rehabilitation potential, and patient preferences. Provide skilled therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, gait training, balance activities, transfer training, neuromuscular re-education, and appropriate use of physical therapy modalities. Assess and train patients in the safe use of assistive devices, including walkers, canes, crutches, and wheelchairs. Monitor patient response to treatment, modify interventions as appropriate, and communicate changes in patient condition to the appropriate healthcare providers. Educate patients and caregivers regarding mobility, fall prevention, home exercise programs, positioning, and strategies to improve safety and independence. Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic health record.
2. Acute Care Services Evaluate and treat hospitalized patients with medical, surgical, orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and functional mobility needs. Assess readiness for mobility and rehabilitation in collaboration with nursing and medical staff. Assist with early mobilization, prevention of functional decline, and restoration of safe mobility during hospitalization. Provide recommendations regarding discharge needs, durable medical equipment, caregiver assistance, and post-acute rehabilitation services. Communicate patient progress, functional limitations, and discharge recommendations to the interdisciplinary care team.
3. Swing Bed Rehabilitation Services Provide skilled physical therapy to patients admitted to the hospital's Swing Bed program who require continued skilled care and rehabilitation following an acute hospital stay. Evaluate functional deficits and establish individualized rehabilitation goals designed to maximize independence and support a safe return to the patient's home or prior living environment when appropriate. Deliver progressive, goal-directed rehabilitation addressing strength, endurance, balance, gait, transfers, activities related to functional mobility, and fall risk. Coordinate therapy interventions with nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, providers, dietary services, social services, and case management as appropriate. Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, patient progress reviews, discharge planning, and caregiver education. Assess the need for assistive devices, home modifications, caregiver support, and additional services following discharge. Document skilled need, functional progress, patient response to treatment, barriers to discharge, and continued treatment recommendations. Provide appropriate therapy frequency and duration based on the individualized plan of care, clinical needs, applicable coverage requirements, and professional judgment. Support timely and appropriate discharge planning to promote continuity of care and reduce avoidable readmissions.
4. Outpatient and Additional Rehabilitation Services Provide outpatient physical therapy services as assigned by the department or hospital. Treat patients with musculoskeletal, orthopedic, neurological, balance, mobility, and other functional impairments within the therapist's competency. Develop and progress home exercise programs and provide education to support long-term functional outcomes. Collaborate with referral sources and other providers to coordinate patient care and follow-up recommendations. Assist with cross-coverage and other rehabilitation responsibilities consistent with licensure, competency, staffing needs, and hospital policy.
5. Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Improvement Maintain complete, accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of evaluations, treatment sessions, progress reports, plan-of-care updates, and discharge summaries. Comply with applicable federal and state regulations, professional practice standards, hospital policies, and payer requirements. Support compliance with Critical Access Hospital requirements and applicable Medicare Swing Bed program regulations. Demonstrate understanding of skilled therapy documentation, medical necessity, patient eligibility, and individualized care planning. Participate in quality assurance, performance improvement, infection prevention, patient safety, and risk management activities. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other applicable privacy requirements. Identify opportunities to improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, and continuity of care.
6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, discharge planning conferences, care coordination activities, and other meetings as assigned. Maintain effective communication with physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing staff, rehabilitation colleagues, patients, caregivers, and community providers. Contribute to a collaborative, patient-centered culture that supports the needs of rural patients and families. Provide education to hospital staff regarding mobility assistance, safe patient handling, fall prevention, and appropriate use of assistive devices as needed. Assist with the development and implementation of rehabilitation policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
7. Professional Responsibilities Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based physical therapy practice and participate in continuing education. Maintain professional licensure and required certifications. Practice within the scope of licensure, demonstrated competency, and hospital policy. Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, flexibility, and a commitment to ethical patient care. Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the position and professional qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited physical therapy education program. Current, unrestricted license or eligibility for licensure as a Physical Therapist in the state in which the hospital operates. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within the timeframe established by hospital policy. Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, functional mobility assessment, and discharge planning.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community partners. Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a rural hospital environment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Graduate of an accredited physical therapy education program. Current, unrestricted license or eligibility for licensure as a Physical Therapist in the state in which the hospital operates. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within the timeframe established by hospital policy.

Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, functional mobility assessment, and discharge planning. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community partners. Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a rural hospital environment.