Physiotherapist I

The Royal Alexandra Hospital is a large teaching hospital. Working in a fast-paced environment, the Physiotherapist we are looking for will be primarily based working on one of the acute care units. You will be responsible for providing comprehensive assessment, consultation and treatment programs for patients within various programs. This will require you to perform therapeutic lifts/transfers and to provide the patient with physical support during physiotherapy treatment sessions. You will collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to provide effective patient care and appropriate discharge planning. Physiotherapists at the Royal Alexandra Hospital work and learn in a variety of clinical areas including medicine, surgery, orthopedics and arthroplasty. You may also provide support to all service areas listed above. The Royal Alexandra Hospital Rehabilitation Department strives to provide excellent patient centered care through ongoing education, mentorship and implementation of evidence based and best practice strategies. Our mentorship program includes the provision of supplemental educational opportunities throughout the first year of employment as well as buddying the new employee with an experienced team member. The new employee has access to the diverse experience of our team members. The Rehabilitation Services Department provides excellent learning opportunities through professional practice lead events as well supporting ongoing professional growth and quality improvement initiatives. Staff have the opportunity to rotate through any of the service areas to assist with their professional growth. We encourage healthy lifestyles by providing secure bike storage, a Light Rail Transit Station, a Fitness Centre and other wellness activities.

As the Physiotherapist I (PT), you will provide therapeutic interventions to enable clients to achieve optimum physical function and independence in development, disease, disability, chronic conditions, illness and functional decline. You will provide intervention (i.e. prevention, triage, screening, assessment, diagnosis, goal setting, treatment, management, education, consultation, fostering resourcefulness, case management, referral and transition support to individuals, groups, populations and communities. You will include clients and families as integral members of the health care team, encouraging their active participation in all aspects of care. The PT collaborates with patient(s) and families in determining, implementing and evaluating appropriate rehabilitation strategies. You will participate in a variety of interprofessional teams to build awareness, enrich supports and engage in quality improvement; partnering with healthcare providers, patients, families and other stakeholders to advance services for their clients. You will contribute to quality improvement and their professional community; participates in peer mentoring; and supervises students. You may provide clinical supervision to Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides and Provisional Physiotherapists.

Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited university program. Current registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.

A Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from a recognized university program is required. Heart and Stroke CPR (BLS-HCP) is required. A minimum of 1 year recent experience in an adult inpatient acute care setting is preferred. Minimum one placement in an acute care setting for new graduates is preferred. Experience with the complex medical patient populations (end of life, chronic disease management, and dementia) is preferred. Experience working with the marginalized population with a good understanding of inner city clients and resources is preferred. Demonstration of strong clinical reasoning and problem solving skills are required. Experience working successfully as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team is required. Conflict resolution and strong communication skills are required. Must be able to work independently and within a team environment. Knowledge and ability to use computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook). Experience with Connect Care is preferred. Work tasks and charting is computer based so there are extensive repetitive motion tasks. Must be able to tolerate long periods of sitting or standing as well as repetitive movements. Must be able to participate in hands on care of patients (transfers, bariatric clients, bending, reaching, twisting, and walking distances). Must be able to lift and carry 10-15 kg regularly if needed.

Experience in the assessment and treatment of patients within the geriatric population is an asset. Knowledge of community resources; equipment acquisition; continuum of care and discharge planning is an asset. Experience in mentoring Physical Therapy students is an asset. Vestibular Rehabilitation certificate is an asset.