PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Physical Therapy Assistant

Hawarden Regional Healthcare is looking to hire a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant to join our team of enthusiastic talented therapists! We work in a new hospital addition, with modern equipment and have assistance with ongoing education to keep you cutting edge in practice. New graduates or soon to be graduates welcome and encouraged to apply. Hawarden is centrally located between Sioux Falls and Sioux City and provides a great community for families.

Hawarden Regional Healthcare is committed to providing a challenging, creative and positive work environment with a competitive salary and benefits package. Hawarden Regional Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer.

General Summary

Under direct supervision, performs a variety of physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the staff physical therapist. Adheres to the mission, values and Standards of Excellence and the philosophy and mission of Hawarden Regional Healthcare in all aspects of job performance.

Essential Job Functional Competencies

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with Hawarden Regional Healthcare standards. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the Compliance Accountability Program, Code of Ethics, and HRH policies and procedures, including all provisions of the Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). In order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior by implementing the organizational vision, values, and mission.

Performs and interprets the results of selected measurement procedures (e.g., tests for joint range of motion and gross strength of muscle groups and measurement of length and girth of body parts) in consultation with the evaluating PT.

Reviews the patient's EHR and obtains current information (prior to each treatment session when needed) and recognizes information that may require alteration of physical therapy treatment for less frequently referred diagnoses. Incorporates new information into the treatment session. Participates in co-treat & G-code requirements with Staff PT according to therapy policy and procedures.

Modifies or adjusts treatment within the limits of the plan of care based on the patient's reactions. Informs evaluating therapist immediately when unexpected responses to treatment occur. Seeks guidance when necessary. Assists Staff PT in interpreting subjective and objective information, and provides suggestions for treatment when requested.

Recognizes abnormal physiological changes and reports them to the evaluating therapist and other appropriate personnel. Seeks guidance for questionable situations from evaluating PT, documents appropriately and initiates immediate intervention.

Instructs patient, nursing staff, and family regarding patient's participation in PT programs and involves patient and family as appropriate in treatment and discharge planning. Participates in individual patient care conferences, team conferences, clinics, and rounds, giving input into the patient's plan of care.

Makes recommendations for discharge, assesses community resources available to the patient, and educates the family and patient regarding these resources. Recommends equipment that may help meet the patient's needs. Assists in obtaining the most appropriate and cost-effective materials for the patient.

Uses appropriate modalities that include but are not limited to heat, cold, light, water, sound, and electricity and uses therapeutic exercise as well as exercise equipment.

Independently organizes a schedule to reflect patient care priorities and overall department needs and responsibilities and carries a caseload that reflects the unit's productive standards.

Is responsible for legible, accurate written or electronic documentation that includes but is not limited to progress notes, home program instructions, statistical reporting, charge forms, and interagency forms.

Is responsible to check that equipment is in working condition and meets departmental standards prior to patient treatment. Reports defective equipment to supervisor promptly, and initiates repair when requested.

Participates in orienting, teaching, guiding and providing feedback in evaluating the performance of volunteers, students, and physical therapy technicians.

Recognizes and communicates issues/occurrences utilizing established lines of authority, and assists in identifying ways to resolve variances or unacceptable outcomes.

Must have a general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)

Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, conferences, and in services. Is knowledgeable of and complies with Safety and Infection Control Policies & Procedures. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities as requested. Keeps up to date on new procedures and research. Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees and HRH business.

Completes all mandatory training such as Healthstream, The Patient Experience, Safe Choices, Crucial Conversations and any other training as designated by Administration.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties so assigned.

Mission Statement

Provide for the health and wellness of all in our communities through delivery of quality healthcare services close to home.

Standards of Excellence

The Standards of Excellence are the behaviors necessary for all of us to achieve our Vision. They are:

• Trust – Being a reliable resource for patients, families and co-workers by acting with honesty and integrity at all times.
• Caring – Displaying kindness and concern for others by creating a welcoming environment for all those who enter our facility.
• Communication – Giving and receiving information that others need or desire.
• Pride – Fulfillment of being part of something bigger than yourself.
• Accountability – Taking responsibility for my actions and decisions.
• Respect – Honoring our patients, families and co-workers.

Commitment

Must be able to embrace and adhere to the Standards of Excellence of the organization and support the Mission of Hawarden Regional Healthcare.

Must demonstrate good work habits such as time management, attendance, punctuality, team building and other behaviors aligned to the Standards of Excellence of the organization.

Qualifications

1. Requires Associate Degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant School or have successfully passed the National Physical Therapist Assistant Licensure Examination.
2. BCLS certification required.
3. Is able to communicate effectively with all members of the health care team.
4. Is able to perform a variety of duties characterized by frequent change.
5. May be requested to travel within the region. When assigned to travel, a valid driver's license and proof of insurance will be submitted to Human Resources prior to travel.
6. Must have a general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
7. Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
8. Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Hawarden Regional Healthcare.

Physical and Mental Requirements and Working Conditions

1. Must successfully pass pre-employment physical examination, drug screening, and must adhere to applicable organizational requirements on an annual basis for Employee Health Directives.
2. Must possess the ability to comply with Hawarden Regional Healthcare policies and procedures.
3. Must be able to frequently lift, bend, walk, stand and carry patients during transfer and gait activities. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
4. Able to perform effectively under stressful situations.
5. Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to environmental elements, such as inclement weather, dust, noise, chemicals and/or chemical fumes, and infectious disease.
6. Regular and physical attendance at work is an essential function of the job.

These essential functions identify the major requirements of the job. They are not an exhaustive list of all job requirements. An employee may be called upon to perform physical actions not specifically identified in this job description.