Acute Care Physical Therapist
Merced, California
Mercy Medical Center Merced

Physical Therapist Travel Opportunity - Merced, California

Position Overview

• Seeking an experienced Physical Therapist for a travel contract.
• Minimum 2 full years of experience required.
• Must hold an active California PT license and BLS (AHA) certification.

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Facility & Unit Information

• Hospital with 189 beds including:

  • ICU: 20 beds
  • Telemetry: 34 beds
  • Medical 5th floor: 34 beds
  • Surgical 6th floor: 34 beds
  • Medical 7th floor: 34 beds
  • Mother and baby units: 33 beds
• Average hospital census: 150 patients
• Off-site outpatient center for PT/OT/ST located 2.5 miles away (8-minute drive)
• Home health services provided by OT and ST at outpatient center

Certifications & Licenses

• BLS (AHA)
• California PT license

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

• Cerner B (upgraded version)

Therapy Team Structure

• Therapy leadership includes:

  • 1 lead inpatient therapist
  • 1 therapy supervisor
  • 1 Director of Rehab Services
• Therapy staff includes:

  • Outpatient: 3 aides/licensed staff, 1 PTA, 1 COTA, 2 OTRs
  • Inpatient: 5 aides/licensed staff, 2 PTAs, 2 OTRs, 5 PTs (including 2 travelers), 3 PD PT inpatient, 2 PD PT outpatient
  • Speech Therapy: 2 STs including 1 traveler

Work Schedule & Shifts

• Standard shifts: 8 hours
• PT travelers may work 10-hour shifts, including split weekend schedules (e.g., Wed-Sat or Sun-Wed)
• No holiday shifts required

Dress Code

• Burgundy polo or long sleeve shirt
• Black pants and shoes

Patient Care & Environment

• Telemetry beds: 34 (all floors capable)
• Ventilator patients: typically 2-4, up to 6 at times
• Hospitalists, residents, and telemedicine intensivists available in ICU
• Respiratory therapy and pharmacy services available 24/7
• Wound care therapists on inpatient unit: 3 (2 PTs, 1 PTA)

Floating & Cross-Discipline Support

• Floating between inpatient, outpatient, and home health for OT and ST
• ST primarily outpatient with geriatric and pediatric caseloads; Vital Stim experience preferred
• PT focused on inpatient acute hospital care

Orientation & Training

• General department orientation with skills checklist
• Assigned clinician support during orientation

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Inpatient: adult and geriatric patients with orthopedic, neurological, medical, and pulmonary complications
• Outpatient: pediatric to geriatric diverse population
• OT hand therapy is a significant component
• ST pediatrics is a significant component

Additional Notes

• JCAHO certification for Stroke; NIH certified
• Early mobility program including vent early mobility level 2
• Location highlights: 1 hour to Yosemite, 2 hours to Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Sierra Nevada range
• Local population approximately 70,000+