Restorative Aide

PURPOSE:

The Restorative Aide provides maintenance type therapy programs as designated by the Physical Therapist, including range of motion and mobility for the residents of St. Luke Living Center in order to promote comfort and maintain their functional ability contributing to their overall resident care program.

LOCATION:

The Restorative Aide reports directly to the Living Center Director.

ENVIRONMENT:

St. Luke Living Center is a nursing facility licensed for 32 beds. The Living Center is a working environment that has a busy atmosphere with frequent interruptions. The work requires the ability to do heavy lifting exerting up to 50 to 75 lbs. of force, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, stooping, squatting and kneeling. A multidisciplinary approach is used in the Living Center which includes an individualized care plan which is the deriving force for addressing the residents' physical, social and psychosocial needs.

CHALLENGE:

The major challenge for this position is to ensure that restorative treatments are administered as outlined by the consulting Physical Therapist or Physician and that treatments are modified when necessary to provide maximum benefit and safety for the Resident.

FUNCTIONS:

The Restorative Aide performs or assists residents with range of motion, mobility, ambulation and other rehabilitation exercises according to the resident's personal needs and as directed by the physical therapist and/or physician. The RA maintains daily records, noting response and progress to the restorative program. This person will assure resident safety, always using a gait belt when ambulating or transferring residents or ask for assistance by other staff when needed. Concerns and observations regarding the residents restorative needs are reported to the physical therapist and/or to the Resident Care Plan Team for discussion and followup. The RA is a contributing member of the Care Plan Team being responsible for documenting problems, goals, approaches and evaluations for each resident.

The RA will assist as needed in performing general nursing care duties such as answering call lights, assisting CNA's as needed with activities of daily living, passing and collecting food trays, providing assistance with feeding residents and taking the snack cart around to residents. This position respects the resident's freedom of choice and integrates the Choices Philosophy into daily routine.

LATITUDE:

The Restorative Aide confers with the consulting physical therapist to exchange, discuss and evaluate the individuals treatment plan. The RA is expected to prioritize daily assignments and activities and seeks direction and guidance from the charge nurse, Living Center Director and/or Resident Care Plan Team when problems and concerns occur.

CONTACTS:

The RA is in frequent contact with residents in performing restorative duties. This position is also in contact with other resident care staff to gather and relay pertinent information. There is contact with family, visitors and friends of residents and other staff of the hospital and Living Center.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

The position of Restorative Aide here at St. Luke requires a current certification as a Nursing Assistant in the State of Kansas and it is recommended that the Restorative Aide Course be completed. It is preferred that the person have 2 years of experience working with the elderly. This person must be able to perform a variety of treatments and follow written and verbal instructions and be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1 . Provides rehabilitative/restorative treatments according to therapist instructions to achieve the maximum benefit for the resident while assuring resident safety.

2. Maintains Restorative program documentation, keeping daily records monitoring response and progress to restorative activities. Provides problems, goals, and approaches on each resident for their personal care plan.

3. Interacts and works cooperatively with co-workers and residents to ensure a positive selfdirected care environment is maintained that supports the 'Choices philosophy and resident independence.

4. Assists in evaluating care. Observes and reports resident response and progress of rehabilitation efforts to the Resident Care Plan Team as an active participant and to the physical therapist to ensure effective and necessary care is provided.

5. Follows all facility policies including policies on confidentiality and safety for the residents and staff. Attend meetings and conferences as required to contribute to the total care needs of the residents.

6. Assists with equipment audits.

MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS:

1. Restorative treatments are performed safely on residents under the direction of the Physical Therapist.

2. Restorative Program records are complete and accurate on all residents. Care plan documentation is complete and represents the needs of the individual resident.

3. A positive environment is maintained in the Restorative department. Choices and alternatives are provided to the residents allowing them control over their lives.

4. Observations of response to the treatment and progress are reported in a timely manner to the Resident Care Plan Team and the physical therapist as needed.

5. Policies are adhered to and meetings and conferences are attended that contribute to the total needs of the residents and to the education of the RA.