PHYSICAL THERAPIST (51875)

Join Our Team as a Physical Therapist

La Paz Regional Hospital & Clinics is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Physical Therapist to join our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. As a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), we are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care to our community while providing an engaging and supportive work environment for our healthcare professionals.

The Physical Therapist is responsible for the evaluation, planning, implementation, and supervision of physical therapy services in accordance with physician referrals, professional practice standards, state and federal regulations, and departmental policies. The successful candidate will demonstrate clinical excellence and the ability to provide age-appropriate care for patients across the continuum of care.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Evaluation & Care Planning

• Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations.
• Assess functional abilities, limitations, and rehabilitation needs.
• Develop individualized plans of care and measurable treatment goals.
• Collaborate with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
• Initiate discharge planning and recommend modifications to physician orders as appropriate.

Treatment Implementation

• Deliver evidence-based physical therapy interventions.
• Modify treatment plans based on patient progress and outcomes.
• Provide care that addresses physical, social, cultural, educational, and age-specific needs.
• Educate patients, families, and healthcare team members regarding treatment plans and progress.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with regulatory and professional standards.
• Maintain comprehensive records demonstrating skilled interventions and patient progress.
• Reassess goals and update treatment plans as required.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate patient progress and treatment outcomes effectively with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes.
• Advocate for appropriate therapy interventions utilizing current evidence-based practices.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide appropriate supervision and delegation of duties to Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), Therapy Technicians, and students.
• Participate in orientation and training of new staff.
• Ensure delegated tasks are completed safely and effectively.

Department Operations

• Participate in department meetings and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain productivity standards and contribute to departmental success.
• Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling, caseload management, and staffing needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an APTA-accredited Physical Therapy program or equivalent.
• Current Arizona Physical Therapist License or ability to obtain prior to employment.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification.
• Demonstrated clinical competence in physical therapy evaluation and treatment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare staff.
• Proficiency or ability to become proficient with electronic health records and clinical software systems.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in hospital, outpatient, skilled nursing, or rural healthcare settings.
• Additional education, certifications, or specialized clinical training.
• Experience working with diverse patient populations across the lifespan.

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
• Ability to safely assist patients with transfers, ambulation, and mobility activities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Adequate vision, hearing, dexterity, and motor coordination necessary for patient care.
• Ability to work in a direct patient care environment with potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.