Physical Therapist

As our Physical Therapist, you will help patients rebuild or maintain their physical wellbeing so they can function at their best level, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.

Every day you will perform initial evaluations, develop and update individualized plans of care, and provide a variety of direct treatments. You will be expected to consistently meet patient care productivity standards, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and families, and promote a positive customer service environment.

To be successful in this role, you must possess strong age-appropriate competency skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care.

• Based upon the treatment diagnosis of the patient, associated with the age of patient, past medical history and/or other diagnosis present, objectively and quantifiably assess a baseline level of physical functions for each patient referred.
• Based upon the initial assessment of the patient, identify functional needs and establish appropriate long and short-term functional treatment goals.
• Goals will be expressed in measurable terms, and will be realistic and appropriate to the patient's condition. Based upon the treatment outcome goals established for the patient, plan, and implement treatment programs designed to achieve or significantly progress towards achievement of outcome goals.
• Treatment programs will be dynamic relative to the clinical response of the patient and will be modified as necessary to assure ongoing progress toward achievement of therapeutic goals. The treatment program will maintain a level of consistency and continuity that will enhance the patient's clinical response.
• Based upon the clinical response of the patient relative to the treatment plan, complete daily treatment progress, and discharge documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Treatment notes are written for each treatment given and accurately reflect both the treatment received as well as the length of the treatment. Progress reports are written at appropriate intervals throughout the patient's period of care, and the treatment outcome goals as well as the level of progress toward those goals, is readily apparent from the report.
• A discharge summary is written for each patient discharged from therapy and the final level of achievement for each outcome goal is readily apparent from this summary. Determines proper equipment usage, application and body position, adjusting as necessary based on age, size, culture or disorder of patient in the administration of such treatments as: therapeutic exercise, gait training, functional training, soft-tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, wound care, hot/cold packs, iontophoresis, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, TENS, and manual and machine traction for cervical and lumbar spine. Instructs patients on segments of the program including proper use of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, orthotic/prosthetic appliances and devices, therapeutic exercise, posture, relaxation techniques, etc. Documents instructions in progress notes. Utilizes therapeutic equipment including electrotherapeutic equipment safely, appropriately and correctly, so that it is non-hazardous to the patient.

Required:

• Must possess and maintain a current California Physical Therapy license
• Must possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, we accept the American Heart Association
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals, technical, and procedures relating to the practice of physical therapy

Founded in 1873, Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center is a 186-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Merced, California. Serving over 150,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II NICU, heart care, the Mercy Cancer Center, and a family birth center. Additionally, Merced Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.

One Community. One Mission. One California