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Physical Therapist-IP Registry $2500 Sign-on IP Rehab

Northwestern Medicine · Woodstock, IL · Part time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Registry roles fill in for staff on vacation or medical leave. What makes someone good at covering for others?

What they are checking: Reliability, flexibility and respect for the regular therapist's plan.

You choose either two or four weekend shifts per month. How would you make sure the team can count on you?

What they are checking: Commitment to the weekend coverage the posting describes.

Tell me about a time you worked closely with OT, speech or nursing on a patient's goals.

What they are checking: Collaboration on a rehab team where goals are shared across disciplines.

Tell me about a time you mentored a student or newer therapist.

What they are checking: Willingness to be a role model, which the posting describes.

What would you do

A patient seems to be getting weaker instead of stronger. What do you do?

What they are checking: Recognizing a possible medical change and telling the nurse and physician quickly.

How do you handle a patient who is discouraged and wants to give up?

What they are checking: Motivation and empathy that keep patients working through a hard recovery.

About the work

How would you treat a patient with a brain injury who is confused and impulsive in inpatient rehab?

What they are checking: Neuro rehab skills and keeping a confused patient safe during therapy.

How do you set functional goals for a patient on an inpatient rehab unit?

What they are checking: Writing measurable goals that guide therapy and discharge planning.

How do you decide what equipment a patient needs at home?

What they are checking: Matching equipment to the patient's function, home and support.

How do you keep documentation accurate and timely when you're filling in?

What they are checking: Thorough notes that meet rehab requirements and help the regular therapist.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

*******This position comes with a $2,500 sign-on bonus!! Casual positions fill shifts when needed to for those on vacation or medical leave. We offer two hourly rate options depending on weekend commitment; 52.00 for two weekend shifts per month and 58.00 for four weekend shifts per month. Click on the link below to see what it is like to join Northwestern Medicine in rehabilitation therapy! Rehab Therapy Team Video If you haven't already done so, please check out the Be Part of Better: What It’s Like to Work at Northwestern Medicine - YouTube video. The Physical Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. • A licensed physical therapist who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by their professional organization and by the State of Illinois. • The position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement. • Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of professional, clinical, communication, education and leadership activities. Responsibilities: • Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions. • Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance. • Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions to help patients and customers with finding their way. • Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur. • Maintains primary responsibility over patient plan of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PT/ PTA s. • Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others. • Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently. • Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time. • Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement. • Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide. • Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidence by team feedback and documentation. • Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols. Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly. Evidenced by chart review. • Assumes complete responsibility over the course of physical therapist patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcome as evidenced by team feedback and documentation. Maintains primary responsibility over patient plans of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PTA(s). • Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. All notes are documented in electronic medical record (EMR). • Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement). • Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback. • Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan. • Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (ex: physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations. • Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions. • Accepts constructive feedback and can make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback. • Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay (forms and follow up phone calls). • Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g., in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI) as per department expectations. • Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department expectations • Maintains productivity standards per department expectations • Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings outside of normal work hours. #NNW Required: • Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy. • Licensed Physical Therapist in State of Illinois • BLS from American Heart Association upon hire Preferred: • Masters or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception : New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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