Physical Therapy Assistant, FT, M-F

Job Title: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), FT: M-F, 8a-4:30p

Reports To: Staff Physical Therapist, Director

Job Summary: 

Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff Physical Therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff Physical Therapist, after the Physical Therapist has evaluated the patient.

The Physical Therapy Assistant assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The Physical Therapy Assistant participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same,
• Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease. Provides patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound, among other assigned duties.
• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff Physical Therapist. Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff Physical Therapist.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Responsible for the monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, staff Physical Therapist is apprised of conclusions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety. 
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, hospital staff and members of the department.
• Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Participates in educational staff performance improvement in-services. Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.
• Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training, and organizational CQI activities.

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes inservices and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department inset-vices, as scheduled.
• Attends 12 staff meetings annually, or reads and returns all staff meeting minutes.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Regulatory Requirements:

• AA degree from a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Holds current certificate/licensure as Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Current BCLS certification.

Language Skills:

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift/transfer patients and equipment. Frequent and prolonged bending, stooping, couching, walking, and standing. Ability to communicate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.