Physical Therapist Assistant-Outpatient

Insight Hospital and Medical Center Chicago

At Insight Hospital and Medical Center Chicago, we believe there is a better way to provide quality healthcare while achieving health equity. Our Chicago location looks forward to working closely with our neighbors and residents, to build a full-service community hospital in the Bronzeville area of Chicago; creating a comprehensive plan to increase services and meet community needs. With a growing team that is dedicated to delivering world-class service to everyone we meet, it is our mission to deliver the most compassionate, loving, expert, and impactful care in the world to our patients. Be a part of the Insight Chicago team that provides patient care second to none!

Position Summary

Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Rehab Services and the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Therapy. Provides physical therapy treatments to patients under the clinical supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Provides education to hospital personnel and the community on physical therapy issues. These duties are to be performed in accordance to the Mission of Insight Hospital and Medical Center: providing a high quality of care, patient satisfaction, and compassion toward all patients, personnel, professional staff, volunteers, and guests.

Clinical Duties

• Assists supervising physical therapist in overall assessment of the patient.
• Performs but does not interpret selected measurement procedures such as joint range of motion, gross strength of muscle groups, and length and girth of body parts.
• Assess general mental, emotional, and cognitive status in frequently referred diagnoses.
• Obtains general subjective information to assist in evaluation.
• Upon completion of the initial evaluation by a supervising PT, initiates treatment according to the prescribed plan of care. Alters treatment only after approval by the supervising PT.
• Utilizes subjective and objective results supplied by supervising PT to guide treatment approach.
• Reviews chart and/or obtains current information prior to treatment session and identifies information, which may necessitate modification of PT treatment. Modifies treatment procedure if indicated by patient response and within the limits of the plan of care. Seeks guidance from supervising PT if plan of care needs to be changed.
• Assesses patient response to treatment and reports unexpected responses to supervising PT. Documents incidences with assistance.
• Instructs patient, nursing, and family regarding the importance of participation in PT program.
• Involves patient and family, as appropriate, in treatment and discharge planning.
• Recommends (for use while in the hospital and/or at discharge) necessary durable medical equipment or other therapeutic devices that promotes optimal functioning and patient safety. Seeks guidance from supervising PT for equipment selection and most cost effective materials.
• Utilizes appropriate modalities that include but are not limited to heat, cold, light, water, sound and electricity. Utilizes exercise equipment, general strengthening and range of motion exercises.
• Is able to present rationale for selection of a particular procedure.
• Participates in patient care and team conferences, clinics, and rounds for the purpose of coordinating patient care. Makes a verbal/written report regarding patient's status when requested.
• Incorporates safety, infection control and emergency procedures into treatment.
• Charts and authenticates progress notes and treatment summaries in a timely manner.

Administrative and Organizational Duties

• Has a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures. Frequently refers to Policy & Procedure Manual in carrying out job responsibilities
• With occasional guidance, organizes own schedule to reflect a "Patient First" philosophy. Rearranges schedule, coordinates with peers, asks for assistance when necessary.
• Carries a patient load that reflects the productivity standard of the unit.
• Demonstrates appropriate written communication.
• Is responsible for written documentation that includes but is not limited to progress notes, home programs, discharge summaries, statistical reporting, charges and interdisciplinary forms.
• All documentation is to be legible, inclusive, concise, accurate and grammatically correct.
• Maintains timely and accurate department records according to departmental policies and procedures. Informs supervisor if paperwork gets behind.
• Documentation meets the standards of the department, outside regulatory agencies and insurance agencies.
• With assistance, completes variance reports.

Educational Responsibilities

• Identifies own learning needs and searches out educational experiences to meet own needs.
• Attends hospital orientation.
• Attends 65% of the departmental in-services offered.
• Meets department and accreditation standards for documentation of attended in services and continuing education courses including hospital fire, safety, and infection control. Documents attendance on the professional education record.
• Attends at least 10 hours of continuing education per year.
• Seeks to stay current on issues involving Physical Therapy.
• Maintains current CPR certification according to department policy.
• Participates in one patient or community educational program. May include but not limited to: scoliosis screening, back school, career days, job fairs, PT week, arthritis program, outpatient pulmonary rehab program, clinical partner, collegiate nurses and transportation tech training.

Professional Behavior

• Demonstrates appropriate verbal communication.
• Establishes rapport with patients and families, explains reasons for therapy interventions to the patient. Instructs and answers questions.
• Gives, receives, and validates information in a clear, concise and timely manner.
• Recognizes the effects of nonverbal communication upon others and adjusts posture, facial expressions, and mannerisms to meet situational needs.
• Copes with own emotional reactions when the behavior of the patient becomes difficult (frightening, embarrassing or angry).
• Maintains an appropriate professional distance from the patients without sacrificing compassion and concern.
• Displays courtesy and respect to others.
• Maintains HIPPA compliance, does not discuss confidential information about patients except in a private area and only when there is a need for clinical assistance.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

• Walks throughout the hospital/clinic during the entire 8 hour shift, lifts patients from beds, chairs, floor, treatment tables; bends and lifts equipment weighing approximately 1-50 pounds, communicates per telephone, sits at desk up to 1-2 hours per shift, manual dexterity for handling sensitive equipment.

Educational and Job Knowledge Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited 2-year physical therapist assistant education program with a passing grade on the written licensure examination. Active license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to apply.

Experience Requirements

• Will consider recent graduates who meet eligibility requirements.