Neurologic Physical Therapy Resident

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements organizational standards and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
• Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
• The Neurological Physical Therapy (PT) Resident is provided the opportunity to rotate throughout Shepherd Center and community residency sites to gain well-rounded clinical knowledge in neurological physical therapy with exposure to teaching research and service learning.
• Evaluates patients physical and functional status including muscular strength motor functions reflexes ambulation skills and ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Observes and interviews patient reviews medical history and administers sensory tests muscle tests range-of-motion exams and other evaluation techniques.
• Develops and implements treatment program to further patient functional skills which is then periodically reassessed and adapted.
• Plans and delivers effective patient and family training to ensure proper patient care.
• Utilizes and orders in-house trial equipment according to need and correctly fits equipment to the patient.
• Schedules patients for specialty clinics and programs where appropriate.
• Determines and orders/recommends appropriate durable medical equipment in consultation with patient caregivers payer source and team members.
• Discusses evaluation goals and treatment with patient and family and instructs them on the exercise program an in use of equipment.
• Uses evaluation findings to determine appropriate discharge planning needs.
• Effectively participates in intra-departmental staff meetings and intra-departmental discipline/program committee assignments.
• May participate in education programs by teaching and supervising students.
• Participates in research projects as needed.
• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given.
• Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.
• Actively participates in center-wide efforts that affect physical therapy practice.
• Establishes relationships with other physical therapists.
• Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
• Complies with residency policies and procedures related to Mercer University and Shepherd Center partnership.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION

• A degree from an accredited program in physical therapy

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION

• BLS required.
• Licensed to practice in the state of Georgia.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury Traumatic Brain Injury Stroke and/or neuromuscular diseases

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS

• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
• Basic computer skills.
• Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by physical therapy staff.
• Must display knowledge of growth development and the ability to obtain interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent adult and geriatric).
• Demonstrates competency in time management organization prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal non-verbal and written communication.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Volunteer and clinical experience with various patient/client populations

• Research experience
• Continuing education related to neurologic disorders

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Uses body tools or special devices to safely effectively and efficiently to move guide or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regards to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.

• Ability to transfer and position patients consistent with lifting to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal patient care environment.
• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.