Acute Care Physical Therapist
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans

Physical Therapist - Acute Care Hospital

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work primarily with a geriatric patient population on general medicine floors within an acute care environment.
• Patients are high acuity within a regional referral center.
• May be assigned to an Emergency Team during events, requiring staying onsite until the event passes or serving as part of a relief team.
• Floating to other general medicine floors within the hospital may be required.

Schedule

• Shift: Day shift, typically 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (may vary between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
• 4 weekend shifts per month (schedule details discussed during interview).
• 40 hours per week (5 days x 8 hours).

Required Qualifications

• Valid Physical Therapist license in Louisiana.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Physical Therapist.
• Physical Therapist experience within the last year.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA only, RQI accepted). Certification must be current or renewed prior to start if expiring within 30 days.

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Valid, current driver’s license or government-issued photo ID (color copy required).
• Background checks including:

  • 7-year criminal background check (within 90 days of start, updated annually).
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks (required within 30 days of start, updated monthly).
  • Sex offender search (within 30 days of start, updated monthly).
• Education verification (transcript/diploma acceptable if verification cannot be completed).
• Employment application and skills checklist (updated annually).
• Resume/application with 7 years employment history and explanations for gaps.

Health and Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start, indicating good physical health.
• Negative TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months, updated annually. For positive TB results, additional documentation required.
• Immunizations or proof of immunity for:

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
• Tdap vaccination required for specific departments (not specified for this role).
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start (instant screenings not accepted).
• Seasonal flu vaccination, medical or religious exemption, or declination required during flu season (October 1 – March 31).

Additional Notes

• Photo for badge: Full color, passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months required within 24 hours of booking.
• Fit mask testing (N95) must be current within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Candidates must be comfortable with emergency event assignments as directed by unit management.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity acute care setting with a focus on geriatric patients, requiring flexibility for emergency response and floating duties.