At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Physical Therapist, Wound Care Clinic reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the general supervision of the Manager or Charge Therapist, provides assessment, plans and administers treatment using Physical Therapy techniques as defined in the Illinois Practice Act for Physical Therapists and in accordance with referral. Provides treatment and education to prevent, correct, or alleviate a disability, decrease pain, promote physical fitness and well-being and improve function.

• Interpret referrals and confer with the referral source regarding plan of care.
• Utilize appropriate patient care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of pediatric, adolescence, adult and geriatric patients.
• Involve the patient and/or family in the treatment plan, objectives of the treatment plan, time frames, capabilities and limitations of treatment and necessary education.
• Perform specialized tests and measurements for diagnostic and prognostic data on muscles, nerves, joints and functional ability. Obtains history, test results and other necessary information to complete assessment.
• Evaluate, record and report patient's progress in order to establish and modify treatment plans in order to achieve a desirable outcome. This evaluation includes such procedures as muscle testing, range of motion evaluations, electrical testing, motor performance, balance assessment, skin temperature measurements, girth recordings, reflexes, pulse, respiration, blood pressure monitoring, pain, wound cultures, oxygen saturation levels, functional activity levels, ergonomics and other methods in order to gain objective data to determine appropriateness of referral and effectiveness of the treatment plan.
• In compliance with hospital / department policies / procedures, utilize the effective properties of physical measures and heat, cold, light, water, radiant energy, electricity, sound, and air; and the use of therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercise, mobilization, manual therapy, debridement and rehabilitative procedures with or without assistive devices.
• Utilize technology and information systems for daily tasks such as scheduling, documentation, dictation, medical record review, clinical guidelines and home exercise programs.
• Assess need for orthotics and other equipment.
• Measures for garments to control edema.
• Evaluate home and work environment for safety, architectural barriers and accessibility. Makes recommendations for improvement.
• Inform supervisor and/or consults with referring provider when there are questions regarding proper diagnosis, inappropriate referrals or prescriptions, or possible contraindications, and follows-up as advised.
• Keep schedule up to date, coordinate work with other areas and communicate necessary information to clerical staff to assure that patients are properly scheduled and charged.
• Manage schedule in order to efficiently and effectively provide assessment, treatment and education. Must be able to determine priorities of care.
• Supervise and utilize Physical Therapy Assistants, Treatment Aides, Aides, Students, and Volunteers.
• Assist in the orientation, training and skill enhancement of new staff members, students and volunteers.
• Treat patients safely and follows department policies, procedures and routines.
• Prepare the patient for discharge from the hospital or service and recommend appropriate follow -up care. Consult with others as necessary and request referrals to other providers if needed. Proactively manage the care of the patient in order to insure a desirable outcome. Design specific home program instructions and assure that the patient, family and/or caregiver understand the instructions. Provide or recommends necessary equipment and supplies.
• Conduct education programs for the community, department, Medical Staff and other hospital personnel as requested.
• Apprise supervisor regarding equipment performance, maintenance and the need for new equipment.
• Participate in the Performance Improvement process, make recommendations and participate in peer review. Keep up to date on policies, procedures and techniques. Assist in the development of manuals, guidelines, programs and procedures. Make recommendations for changes and/or improvement.
• Demonstrate awareness of insurance benefits, financial limitations, managed care and other third-party payer protocols. Communicate with physicians, patients and others in order to develop a treatment plan and objectives.
• Utilize documentation system to complete all required documentation within required time frames. Complete all verbal and written communication to insure quality, continuity of care and requirements of referral sources and third party payers.
• Attend and actively participate in required in services and educational programs. Keep up to date with changes in technology and services. Attend meetings representing the Hospital and department as requested.
• Assist in maintaining and promoting good guest relations within department, with other departments with whom work is coordinated and in interactions with all guests. Assure that the environment and services are customer friendly.
• Maintain an adequate level of supplies and equipment. Assure that the work area and supplies are kept neatly and organized. Apprise supervisor regarding equipment performance, maintenance and the need for new equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is full-time, 80 hours per pay period, Monday - Friday.  No holidays or weekends at this time, but that may change in the future.  Hours vary due to clinic hours. Flexible hours required between 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to meet department needs.

#INDPALOS

Must have a degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school. Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in Illinois. Previous experience preferred.

Experience in wound care is mandatory. 

Certifications in lymphedema and wound care preferred.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.