Physical Therapist-PRN

The PRN Physical Therapist (PT) evaluates, plans, and implements individualized physical therapy programs for patients across the continuum of care in a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) setting, including acute care, swing bed, outpatient, and long-term care. The PT promotes optimal functional independence, mobility, and quality of life while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, assessments, and re-assessments.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on physician orders and patient needs.
• Implement therapeutic interventions, including:
• Therapeutic exercise
• Gait and balance training
• Manual therapy techniques
• Neuromuscular re-education
• Functional mobility training
• Monitor, document, and modify treatment plans based on patient response and progress.
• Provide patient and family education regarding treatment, home exercise programs, and safety.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members (physicians, nursing, case management, etc.) to ensure coordinated care.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in compliance with CMS, Medicare, and Texas regulations.
• Participate in discharge planning, including recommendations for equipment and post-acute services.
• Ensure adherence to infection control, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain productivity standards while ensuring high-quality care delivery.
• Supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and support staff as applicable.
• Participate in departmental meetings, quality initiatives, and regulatory readiness activities when requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical evaluation and treatment planning skills.
• Knowledge of CMS Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for CAHs and therapy services.
• Familiarity with Medicare Part A/B therapy guidelines and documentation requirements.
• Ability to work independently in a rural healthcare setting with limited resources.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to fluctuating patient volumes (PRN environment).
• Competency with EHR systems.

Work Environment

• Functions in a rural Critical Access Hospital environment including:
• Acute inpatient units
• Swing bed program
• Outpatient rehabilitation
• Long-term care/skilled nursing units

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting.
• Ability to lift and/or assist patients (up to 50–100 lbs with assistance).
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina required to perform therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

Schedule Expectations (PRN)

• Works on an as-needed basis to cover:
• Patient volume fluctuations
• Staff absences (PTO, illness, vacancies)
• Must maintain flexibility in scheduling, including potential weekend or holiday coverage.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Adheres to:
• CMS Conditions of Participation (CAH)
• Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act
• Hospital policies and procedures
• HIPAA and patient privacy regulations
• Participates in ongoing competency validation and continuing education.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), rehab technicians, and students in accordance with Texas law and facility policy.

Performance Standards

• Timely documentation completion (same-day or per policy).
• Achievement of quality, patient satisfaction, and productivity benchmarks.
• Compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program (DPT or equivalent).

Licensure/Certification

• Current, active Texas Physical Therapist License (required).
• Current CPR/BLS certification (required).
• Must meet all credentialing requirements for a Critical Access Hospital.

Experience

Preferred

• 1–2 years of clinical experience (acute care, outpatient, or SNF/LTC setting).
• New graduates may be considered based on staffing needs.