Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist AssistantAssist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. Assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Carries out the treatment plan as instructed by the physical therapist using a variety of modalities including those associated with electrotherapy, heat, cold, hydrotherapy and exercise. Maintains documentation including patient progress notes and worklists. Prepares necessary patient records and statistics, appropriate patient information for weekend staff and when planning to be absent. Provides information and instruction to patients, families, caregivers and other health practitioners. Makes recommendations regarding appropriate assistive devices. Communicates recommendations regarding orthotic and prosthetic devices to the physical therapist. Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities. Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and report to physical therapist. Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations. Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment. Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches. Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices. Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements. Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment. Supervise, train and assess therapy assistant students during onsite clinical affiliations.Essential FunctionsPatient/CustomerEnsures communication and collaboration with supervisors and fellow co-workers to serve patients and other customers to the best of his/her ability. Is professional in all actions and appearance. Ensure compliance with regulatory parameters. Uses resources wisely – as if they were one's own. Demonstrates understanding and ownership of how his/her role contributes to achieving the success of the Department and the Health System. Demonstrates a personal commitment to ensuring a clean and safe working environment. Anticipates patients'/customers' needs and acts accordingly. Works to enhance patient satisfaction. Assists patients and families. Analyzes problems from the customers' point of view. Honors patient/customer/employee confidentiality. Seeks feedback on how to improve performance and offers constructive feedback, as well. Applies learning for improved performance. Presents self professionally & demonstrates professional behavior during interactions with others. Strives to understand and value differences in others' race, nationality, gender, age, background, experience, and style. Clinical Education Serves as clinical instructor (after gaining one year of clinical experience & if student is available). Assists with clinical education of therapy assistant students if not the Primary CI. Staff Education: Provides a formal presentation of evidenced-based information (i.e. in-service). Attendance at institutional in-services, staff meetings and/or continuing education programs.Patient/Employee Safety AccountabilitiesPatient Care Providers Participates in Entity and Department wide initiatives for Patient /Employee safety. Demonstrates an awareness of patient/ employee safety when carrying out daily responsibilities of their position. Validation of annual competencies required for the position.OperationsTherapy Treatment Planning Therapy Treatment Implementation Applies the Principles of Logic & Scientific Method to the Practice of PT Full compliance with licensure requirements Ethical & Legal Practice Standards Therapy Documentation- Compliance Audits-Total of 2 charts reviewed in a quarter by Site Manager or senior therapist. Done in 2 out of 4 quarters per year. Qualitative Chart Audit-At least 1 done per year Productivity Expectations Health System ID is worn in accordance to GSPP policy Non-essential Accountabilities CEQI (Clinical Effectiveness Quality Improvement)QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EducationAssociate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant requiredWork ExperiencePrevious healthcare experience preferredLicenses / CertificationsPhysical Therapist Assistant license required Basic Life Support / CPR, as a healthcare provider, per the American Heart Association required