Physical Therapist - Inpatient (Per Diem)
Company : Sonoma Valley Hospital
Location : Sonoma, CA, 95476
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Overview
The Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients primarily in the hospital physical therapy setting. Provides accurate and timely documentation and coordinates care with other health care professionals. Effectively participates in clinical site education through in-services and clinical education of assigned students.
Responsibilities
Utilizes clinical reasoning to determine course of action within a specific context and with the ability to anticipate outcomes guided by a framework of previous experience and knowledge of best practices. Provides comprehensive clinical care to patients using a human movement system framework.
Documents prior level of function as well as identifies and documents patient’s current functional limitations that are necessary for self-maintenance, learning, work, and other similar meaningful activities. Consistently utilizes standardized functional outcome tools to identify and track functional levels and progress. Identifies short and long term goals that are measurable, functional and refer to prior level of function and include frequency, duration and certification dates.
Completes all required documentation including initial evaluation, daily progress notes, care plans, re-evaluations, discharge summaries, weekly summaries and reassessments when needed in a timely manner in compliance with department standards. Creates and documents a safe discharge plan that addresses patient's readiness, safety and equipment needs.
Effectively communicates with all members of the interprofessional medical team as well as patients and families utilizing strategies to clearly and accurately disseminate and receive information that considers situational needs and results in intended outcomes.
Quality improvement - Performs routine chart review and provides appropriate staff education in conjunction with findings. Participates in department Performance Improvement Project.
Attends staff meetings, employee forums, and participates in surveys and committees as requested.
Effective participation in clinical site education through in-services and clinical education with PT students as assigned. Contributes to continuing education of other staff members by developing and delivering in-service presentations after attending a CEU based learning opportunity.
Actively participates in community outreach including participation in lectures, classes and in-services. Serves as a resource in community based education.
Qualifications
Education: Graduate from an accredited Physical Therapy programExperience: One to two years related experienceLicenses & Certifications: Current California State License, Current BLS Certification, professional association membership a plus Required Skills & Knowledge: Position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational, problem solving, and analytical skills, strong management and interpersonal skills, ability to manage priorities and workflow, flexibility and a willingness to work with constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. Ability to understand and adhere to established policies, procedures, and protocols, Commitment to excellence and high standards. Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions, Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, Able to work collaboratively with multiple health professionals in a busy and complex environment using tact, diplomacy, and discipline, Strong charting/documentation skills, Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population, Bilingual skills a plus
Compensation
Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.Minimum:
USD $62.52Maximum:
USD $85.97Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Per diem physical therapists at Sonoma Valley Hospital adapt to variable patient volumes by prioritizing urgent inpatient care while maintaining thorough documentation. Flexibility and strong organizational skills help manage shifting schedules in this dynamic hospital environment.
Additional credentials like BLS certification and memberships in professional associations enhance a physical therapist’s expertise. Specialized training in inpatient rehabilitation and human movement systems can differentiate candidates for roles in Sonoma’s hospital environments.
Inpatient therapists focus on hospital-based evaluations, acute care treatments, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams, contrasting with outpatient therapists who handle scheduled clinic visits and long-term rehabilitation. The inpatient role demands rapid clinical decision-making and patient readiness assessment.
Yes, bilingual abilities improve communication with Sonoma’s diverse patient population, enhancing care quality and family engagement. While not mandatory, such skills are a notable asset for physical therapists in this hospital’s inpatient setting.
Sonoma's healthcare landscape shows steady demand for per diem inpatient therapists due to aging demographics and hospital needs. While competition exists, candidates with solid clinical experience and flexible availability often secure positions quickly.
Sonoma Valley Hospital emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and community outreach alongside inpatient care. This setting nurtures involvement in performance improvement projects and educational initiatives, offering a rich clinical and professional environment.
The hospital encourages continual learning through in-services and CEU-based training, alongside opportunities to mentor students. Participation in quality improvement projects and community education fosters both clinical expertise and leadership development.
Per diem physical therapists at Sonoma Valley Hospital typically earn between $62.52 and $85.97 per hour, reflecting factors like experience, licensure, and departmental needs. This competitive salary aligns with Sonoma’s cost of living and regional healthcare standards.
Absolutely, therapists coordinate closely with physicians, nurses, and other specialists to create comprehensive care plans, ensuring patient safety and effective rehabilitation. This collaborative approach is critical in the hospital's complex inpatient setting.
Inpatient therapists at Sonoma Valley Hospital encounter acute cases requiring immediate interventions and discharge planning, whereas outpatient clinics focus more on scheduled therapy sessions. The hospital setting demands adaptability and rapid clinical reasoning under evolving patient conditions.