PRN Physical Therapist (VNA)

Job Description:

Under general supervision, provides professional physical therapy services in the home for patient rehabilitation and to assist patients in achieving optimal potential in functional activities in accordance with the patient’s diagnosis, physician’s orders, the establish plan of care, and corporate policies and procedures. Responsible for accepting patient referrals, evaluating for services, and managing a caseload. Provides consultant physical therapy services, when appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Accountabilities:

Related to Patient Care

1. Responsible for supervision of the Home Health Aide, when assigned for extension of therapy services. Responsible for supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants.
2. Provides patient and family-oriented care through a process of physical therapy evaluation, assessment, planning, and implementing rehabilitative programs based on identified patient and family needs according to established short and long-term goals.
3. Assist the patient’s physician and/or VNA staff in evaluating patient’s level of function by applying muscle, joint, sensory, perceptual and functional ability tests.
4. Conducts the initial evaluation visit, within a time frame appropriate to the patient’s needs. The evaluation report will include the specific procedures and modalities to be used and the amount, frequency, and duration.
5. Develops a written plan of care incorporating input from other disciplines involved in the care of the patient and notifies the physician of same.
6. Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and achieve maximum performance.
7. Instructs patients in the care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic and orthotic devices, according to written plan of care.
8. Advises and consults with the family on the patient’s total physical therapy program, when indicated. Provides written instructions, as necessary, to ensure clarity of communication.
9. Periodically re-evaluates the patient’s needs and responses to treatment and notifies the physician, Clinical Management and primary clinician when there are changes in the patient’s condition which necessitate a change in the physical therapy program and the plan of care.
10. Prepares clinical notes, progress notes, and discharge summaries, in accordance with policies. If physical therapy is primary, the therapist admits the patient for service and completes all admission documentation.
11. Participates in interdisciplinary patient care conferences for coordinated planning, goal setting, and problem solving.
12. Utilizes appropriate disciplines and resources for optimal patient care.
13. Discontinues physical therapy services, when appropriate, notifying primary clinician, scheduler, clinical management and physician. Instruct the patient/family how to access follow-up.

Related to Staff

1. Functions as a member of the inter-disciplinary team, encouraging and maintaining open communications at all times.
2. Provides clinical supervision for Home Health Aides and Physical Therapist Assistants for assigned patients and provides input regarding their performance to the appropriate manager. Countersigns all orders by PTA when necessary and updates the HHA Plan of Care as needed.
3. Assist in the orientation of new staff or continuing education of existing staff, as requested.
4. Related to Corporate Management
5. Submits patient visit schedule to the Rehab Scheduler on a weekly basis and calls to inform of schedule changes and to receive new referrals.
6. Participates in the utilization review/quality assurance program.
7. Functions in a cost-effective manner in regards to utilization of time, mileage and supplies.
8. Meets or exceeds established productivity and quality assurance standards.
9. Seeks consultation and direction from management personnel as appropriate.
10. Informs appropriate clinical management of perceived problem areas related to patient care, corporate management or community relations.
11. Keeps clinical skills current with Physical Therapy norms.

Related to Community

1. Demonstrates a professional attitude, sound judgment and a continuity in interactions with physicians, other health care providers, and community agencies.
2. Represents the VNA at community activities, as delegated.
3. Promotes a positive corporate image.
4. Acquires and utilizes knowledge of community resources.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree
• Required Courses:
  • Graduate of an accredited program in physical therapy
• Required Certification:
  • Licensed Physical Therapist
  • BLS certification
• Minimum Experience:
  • 12 months clinical experience and rehabilitation experience
• Skills:
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license in the current state of residence. Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management. Willing/able to drive in varying weather conditions and in urban/rural settings.