Physical Therapist - Inpatient Acute Care

Physical Therapist - Inpatient Acute Care

West Palm Beach, FL

$90,000- 140,000 + Full, comprehensive benefits package + Paid Relocation assistance

20K Sign-On Bonus

Full-Time, Day Shift

Position Summary

The Acute Care Physical Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive physical therapy services to acutely ill or injured patients who are admitted to the hospital. The primary goal is to assess the patient's functional status, maximize mobility and independence, and make appropriate discharge recommendations to ensure a safe transition to the next level of care (e.g., home, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient rehabilitation). This role requires adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to manage medically complex patients in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Patient Evaluation: Perform thorough initial and ongoing physical therapy evaluations, including assessment of strength, range of motion, balance, gait, mobility, and functional status, considering the patient's complex medical stability and acute diagnosis.

• Treatment Planning: Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that are appropriate for a patient's acute medical condition.

• Intervention: Provide therapeutic interventions, which may include therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training (bed mobility, transfers, gait), balance re-training, and prescription of durable medical equipment (DME) and adaptive devices.

• Collaboration: Work effectively as a vital member of the multidisciplinary care team , consulting with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, case managers, and social workers to coordinate care, ensure patient safety, and facilitate timely, safe discharge planning.

• Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant electronic medical record (EMR) documentation of evaluations, daily treatments, progress notes, and discharge summaries, adhering to hospital and regulatory standards.

• Education: Provide education to patients and family members regarding the current physical status, treatment plan, home exercise programs, and safe use of assistive devices.

• Supervision: May provide clinical instruction and supervision to Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapy Technicians, and Physical Therapy students.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited Physical Therapy program ( Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) preferred or entry-level Master's/Bachelor's).

Licensure and Certification

• Current and unrestricted Physical Therapist (PT) license in the State of Florida.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, approved by the American Heart Association.

Experience

• Less than one (1) year of experience accepted; new graduates welcome to apply.

• Prior clinical rotation or experience in an acute care hospital setting is highly desirable.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills in an environment with frequent changes in patient status.

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills for interaction with patients, families, and the medical team.

• Ability to manage a diverse and high-acuity patient caseload efficiently.

• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.