Physical Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Physical Therapist serves the outpatient, inpatient, and home settings within the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System with responsibility for the performing various tests (manual muscle testing, gait training, range of motion, etc.), evaluations, and education in the area of physical therapy. She/he may require rotation and are skilled in their ability to provide cross-coverage in all settings, works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.

• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Duties to include but not limited to the following: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to the Physical Therapy Department Follows the orders detailed in consults from a physician or other approved provider, reviews the medical record independently, and evaluates each patient to determine functional deficits and the best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals. Evaluates patients, including medical history, interpretation of imaging results, administering and interpreting the results of measurements such as: range of motion, muscles testing, sensory deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, etc. Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of patient physical functional levels and providing progressive treatment. Develops therapy programs in accordance with the instructions of a physician or other approved provider through the use of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, postural training, heat, cryotherapy, ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and other appropriate methods/modalities. Demonstrates the teaching skills required to provide education to patients, family members, caregivers, employees, students, and coworkers. Deals tactfully and effectively with the physically and mentally disabled patients. Functions autonomously in carrying out patient education, specialized treatments, and applying physical therapy procedures for which competency has been established and in accordance with laws or regulations and APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) documents. Observes condition of patients during treatment and may modify the treatment plan if deemed injurious to the health of the patient; consults with referring provider to outline long range programs for a patient and reports progress or results. Modifies the treatment plan based on the changing needs, goals and performance of the patient. Demonstrates proper judgement on the appropriate length of time for a patient's episode of care based on the patient's functional progress. Provides supervision, guidance, instruction to SDPTs (Student Doctor of Physical Therapy), SPTAs (Student Physical Therapy Assistant), and other members of the healthcare team. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform home safety assessments, plans and develops comprehensive programs to meet patients' needs in the home-based setting, and provide specialized physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the home-based setting. This may include, but is not limited to, evaluating Veterans' homes for structural modifications needed to make the home environment safe and accessible, determining needs for durable medical equipment (DME), training and monitoring safe use of DME, teaching body mechanics to patients and caregivers to minimize risk of injury and monitoring Veterans' functional status. Attends IDT meetings, regularly presents patients to physicians and other team member providing information regarding performance, current status, and continuing goals. Works effectively with treatment team members and other healthcare providers in coordinating the patient's care. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am - 4:00pm PST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: : 09082-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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