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

Physical Therapist - Acute Care Hospital (Travel/Contract)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide therapy/rehabilitation services primarily to 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 relief staff.

Work Schedule

• Day shift, typically 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (may vary between 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM).
• 4 weekend shifts per month (schedule details discussed during interview).
• 40 hours per week, 5 days a week.
• Floating to other general medicine floors within the hospital may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Physical Therapist license in Louisiana.
• Minimum 2 years of Physical Therapist experience, including experience within the last year.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA or RQI accepted). Renewal required if expiring within 30 days of start.

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 or transcript/diploma if verification cannot be completed.
• Employment application and updated skills checklist (annual).
• Resume/application with 7 years employment history and explanation for gaps.

Health and Safety Requirements

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

  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series).
  • Hepatitis B (positive antibody titer, completed vaccine series, booster, or signed declination).
  • Varicella (positive IGG titer, completed vaccine series, or booster).
  • Tdap (required only for certain departments, not specified here).
• 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 (Oct 1 – Mar 31).

Additional Notes

• Photo for badge: full color, passport-style, taken within last 6 months with plain background.
• Fit mask testing (N95) required within one year of start; can be completed onsite if needed.
• Candidates must be willing to comply with emergency preparedness protocols, including potential extended onsite presence during emergency events.

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