Description
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Summary:
UNC Health is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Physical Therapist I - Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team within the provider-based outpatient orthopedic and specialty therapy division of the Rehabilitation Services Department at UNC Medical Center. This role is central to the development, implementation, and delivery of a pulmonary physical therapy program, co-located with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedic therapy, and a fully resourced fitness facility at the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont.
About the Role
This position offers a unique opportunity to provide specialized care for patients with chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions, including pre/post lung transplant and Long COVID. This position will function separately from the Cardiopulmonary group therapy, allowing for one-on-one physical therapy treatment of pulmonary patients The therapist will communicate and collaborate with our Acute Care Transplant Rehabilitation Team and the current onsite Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Team consisting of nursing, respiratory therapy, and exercise physiologists. As the first physical therapist dedicated to this service, you will play a critical role in shaping its future by designing workflows, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and integrating evidence-based practices into care delivery.
You will work closely with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and leverage the resources of a fully equipped fitness facility to create a seamless and comprehensive rehabilitation experience for patients. This setting allows for personalized, one-on-one patient interactions to optimize outcomes and build strong therapeutic relationships.
Success in this role requires a self-starter who thrives in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, manage program development responsibilities, and provide high-quality patient care. Initiative, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills are essential to establishing effective workflows, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring the success of this program.
Core Responsibilities
Pulmonary Physical Therapy Program Development:
Lead the establishment and growth of a pulmonary physical therapy program at the UNC Wellness Center, working collaboratively with leadership to design workflows, integrate evidence-based practices, and develop a patient-centered approach.
Assist in building partnerships with interdisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, cardiac rehabilitation professionals, and wellness staff, to ensure seamless service delivery.
Patient Care:
Perform comprehensive, evidence-based evaluations to address functional limitations, mobility impairments, and respiratory challenges in patients with pulmonary diagnoses.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to the needs of patients with conditions such as COPD, interstitial lung disease (ILD), pre- and post-transplant recovery, Long COVID, POTS, and general deconditioning.
Provide specialized care for pulmonary rehabilitation patients while maintaining the clinical versatility of a generalist physical therapist.
Collaboration with Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation:
Collaborate with our Acute Care Transplant Rehabilitation Team, fostering continuity of care pre/post lung transplant.
Work closely with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals to create a seamless flow between one-on-one physical therapy and the group cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, fostering continuity and coordination for patients transitioning between services.
Leverage co-located resources and shared expertise to maximize patient outcomes in a collaborative environment.
Patient and Caregiver Education:
Deliver patient education on energy conservation, breathing techniques, activity pacing, and self-management strategies, including the use of supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support.
Provide patients and caregivers with tools and resources to support patient adherence and engagement in home-based programs.
Diagnostic Testing and Outcome Tracking:
Conduct functional and diagnostic assessments, such as pulse oximetry, spirometry, and exercise tolerance testing, to guide treatment planning and monitor progress.
Track patient outcomes using validated measures like the 6-Minute Walk Test, Borg Scale, and Quality-of-Life Questionnaires, as well as other patient-reported outcome measures, to ensure effectiveness and accountability.
Clinical Documentation and Evaluation:
Maintain accurate and detailed documentation in alignment with Medicare, Medicaid, Charity Care, and UNC Therapy Services standards.
Regularly reassess patients, adjust treatment goals, and modify interventions to ensure progress and alignment with evidence-based practices.
Mentorship and Professional Growth:
Mentor Physical Therapy students, fellows, or residents by demonstrating clinical reasoning and advanced rehabilitation techniques in a specialized setting.
Stay current with emerging practices in pulmonary physical therapy to continually improve care delivery.
Community Involvement:
Engage in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of pulmonary physical therapy and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Support efforts to improve health equity and expand access to care, particularly for underserved populations.
Quality Improvement and Program Evaluation:
Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, and program outcomes.
Contribute to the evaluation and evolution of clinical practices to ensure alignment with the latest evidence-based guidelines.
Why UNC Health?
At UNC Health, we are committed to supporting your health, financial security, and professional growth. We offer:
Comprehensive benefits, including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans.
Annual opportunities for market/merit pay increases.
Generous PTO, retirement options with employer matching, and wellness programs to support work-life balance.
Opportunities for continuing education, board certification reimbursement, and tuition assistance.
One-on-one 45-minute sessions to ensure personalized, patient-centered care, allowing you to deliver optimal outcomes and build strong therapeutic relationships.
Access to fully resourced fitness and rehabilitation facilities, with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and other interdisciplinary services.
Unique opportunities to engage in community outreach, addressing health disparities, and improving access to care.
Work Schedule:
Full-time, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.
Onsite at UNC Therapy Services at the Wellness Center at Meadowmont, Chapel Hill, NC.
Other Information Other information:
Education Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy program.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state of North Carolina.
BLS
Professional Experience Requirements:
No prior experience required.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Job Details Legal Employer: STATE
Entity: UNC Medical Center
Organization Unit: UNC Therapy Services
Work Type: Full Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Salary Range: $33.04 - $47.50 per hour (Hiring Range)
Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Day Job
Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill
Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes
This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.
