Inpatient Physical Therapist

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a physician or case manager about a patient's discharge.

What they are checking: Whether they advocate based on clinical evidence while working constructively with the team.

How do you keep your documentation timely when your caseload is heavy?

What they are checking: Whether they have habits that keep notes accurate and on time even on busy days.

How would you teach a student PT during a busy inpatient day?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach well while keeping patients safe and staying on schedule.

Tell me about a patient whose progress surprised you. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they reflect on outcomes and update their clinical thinking based on experience.

How do you supervise PTAs and rehab techs so care stays consistent with your plan?

What they are checking: Whether they delegate within scope and check in on progress rather than handing off and walking away.

A patient refuses to get out of bed because they're in pain. How do you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate pain control with nursing and motivate the patient without forcing them.

Walk me through your evaluation of an older adult admitted after a fall.

What they are checking: Whether they assess balance, strength and fall risk in a way that drives a safe discharge plan.

A patient's blood pressure drops when you sit them up at the edge of the bed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize orthostatic changes and adjust mobility safely before continuing.

How do you decide when a post-surgical patient is ready to go home versus needing more rehab?

What they are checking: Whether their discharge recommendations reflect function, home setup and support, not only what the patient prefers.

What's your approach to early mobility for a patient in the ICU?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how to mobilize critically ill patients safely around lines and monitors.