1. 03/2013 to Current
Melrose Park, IL
01/2002 to 11/2012
Melrose Park, IL
NIKA M JOHNSON
Professional Summary
Licensed bilingual Physical Therapist committed to delivering quality care, eager to advance skills and management
experience. Driven to achieve exceptional client outcomes as a key member of a multidisciplinary care team in
Inpatient/SNF/Outpatient settings.
Skill Highlights
Resource in SNF and Acute care rehabilitation
Skilled in the rehabilitation of clients post joint
replacement, spine surgery, brain injury/CVA,
trauma, cancer, balance/gait disorders, dementia,
Parkinson's and other movement disorders
Extensive Geriatric and adult experience
Open to providing care to adolescents and children
Intently focused on excellent customer service
Proficient in Spanish
Empathetic and patient
Driven to advance protocols and improve programs
Expedient in applying newly-learned skills
Community wellness advocate
Excellent communicator
Professional Experience
Registry Weekend Physical Therapist
Loyola University Health Systems at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Acute/SNF Rehabilitation
Deliver high quality weekend care to all patients within the hospital and transitional care facility, as evidenced by
survey acknowledgments.
Consistently exceed productivity expectations of 2.5 units/per hour while being a resource for weekend staff.
Point person for prioritizing referrals and discharges within the department service.
Implemented a successful weekend scheduling/communication system bringing continuity between all therapy
providers and improving customer service scores.
Thoroughly prepare new patients, their families and/or caregivers to return home in safe and functional manner,
ensuring proper understanding of the home exercise programs.
Incorporated newly-acquired knowledge on rehabilitation-focused yoga to help patients reduce pain and improve
functional outcomes.
Prioritize involvement of the family and caregivers into the plan of care, with permission of the patient, so that
safety, compliance, and exceptional functional outcomes can be achieved.
Senior Physical Therapist-Inpatient/SNF
Loyola University Health Systems at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
Entrusted by Rehab Director and OT/PT Supervisors to provide clinical guidance for Inpatient/SNF therapy staff.
Department resource for thoroughly-documented initial evaluations, appropriate therapy diagnoses, patient goals,
evaluated progress, and re-evaluations done in a timely manner.
Department resource for customized physical therapy techniques/interventions to meet the specific needs and
goals of individual clients/residents
Responsible for creating the weekend staffing schedule for the the inpatient department.
Managed staffing shortages with excellent communication, and provided back-up staffing options.
Resource for Medicare and other reimbursement regulations within the department.
Assisted the rehabilitation department successfully through two mergers/acquisitions; was point-person for the
electronic documentation changes.
Consistently maintained or exceeded productivity of 24 units/day (3.0 units/hour) while taking on all administrative
committees, supervising 5 other staff PTs, 3 PTAs, 3 transporters/aides, and administrative assistants.
Reorganized existing PT/OT inpatient/SNF rotations to improve productivity by 25%.
Contributed to staff performance appraisals in collaboration with PT Supervisor.
Liaison between the inpatient therapy staff and medical staff to solve any service issues.
Facilitated health and healing by cultivating caring relationships with clients/residents' families and support
network.
Commended more than 7 times yearly by patients, families, nursing staff, and Physical Therapy Director and
Supervisor for providing high-quality, compassionate care and excellent customer service.
297 Woodstock Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 | H: 630-403-2135 | C: 708-334-7197 | nikajohnson327@gmail.com

2. 03/1999 to 01/2002
Melrose Park, IL
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Identified opportunities for performance improvement; implemented new department systems and policies directly
resulting in improved customer service scores.
Developed/revised clinical programs: THA/TKA/TSA/RCR/ORIF protocols; CHF Rehabilitation and Education
protocol/packet.
Member of a special committee which oversaw the disbursement of special funds to assist employees in time of
need.
Actively engaged in department quality assurance programs, education, and customer service programs.
Consistently participated in hospital and community forums, as well as workplace ergonomics educational
sessions, helping to prevent injuries and falls.
Consultant on bringing special lifting devices into the hospital/SNF setting to promote a "minimal lifting"
environment.
Strove to help keep staff safe during their execution of transfers via bi-annual training.
Educated over 26 PT/PTA students through clinical internship programs from various institutions.
Commended for excellence in teaching, and was recognized by the APTA for this achievement.
Consulted on pediatric neuromuscular and orthopedic cases such as torticollis and fractures/sports injuries in
inpatient and outpatient settings as needed.
Staff Inpatient/SNF/Outpatient Physical Therapist
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
Efficiently performed/documented initial exams and determined appropriate physical therapy diagnoses.
Role model for documentation quality and timeliness.
Designed the inpatient therapy department's first electronic physical therapy evaluation and daily progress notes
with collaboration from colleagues.
Regularly evaluated effects of treatment and adjusted interventions to achieve maximum benefit.
Identified as a peer resource for physical therapy interventions.
Transitioned between inpatient care and outpatient care as needed, often in the same day, and consistently
provided high quality care in both settings.
Implemented new systems and policies that directly resulted in improved customer service and regulatory
compliance.
Actively participated in every departmental in-service and meetings.
Consultant for wound care and VAC therapy.
Primarily consulted on evaluation of lift devices.
Education and Training
Master of Science in Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy
Boston University-Sargent College
Graduated Cum Laude.
Completed 36+ weeks of clinical experience in the following areas: Inpatient Acute/SCI program at Advocate
Christ Hospital; Outpatient Orthopedics at New England Baptist Hospital; Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation at
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital; and Home Physical Therapy services through The Rehabilitation Institute of
Santa Barbara.
Quantified endurance as measured by functional activity while in clinical residency at Marianjoy; presented
findings, outcomes, and potential measurement tool to the doctors and staff.
Bachelor of Science: Health Sciences
Boston University
Graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Participated in the Women's Club Volleyball team 1994,1995.
Participated in the Admissions Advisory process as student/class liaison.
Licenses
Certified Physical Therapist, CPR Certified, Certified Senior Strength Trainer (seeking recertification through IWA)
Community Service
Co-chair Community Service Committee for the Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society 2015.
Co-chair of Glen Ellyn Newcomers Club Welcoming and Sports Committees 2013-2015.