Physical Therapy Assistant- Level 1- Inpatient Therapy

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a health system dedicated exclusively to medical rehabilitation. We provide inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to the most advanced state of recovery they can achieve. Our Mission: To enhance health, maximize function, and transform lives. Our values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. These values guide us in providing quality patient care and transforming the lives of our patients.

Works in conjunction with and under the supervision of licensed Therapist. Provides direct patient care, performs appropriate written and verbal communication, acts in a professional manner, maintains state of the art education and training for job role, and performs other related duties as assigned requiring compatible skills and responsibilities.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Performance Appraisal Competencies):

 

Level 1 Therapy Assistant:

• Provides direct patient care.

1. Reviews initial evaluation and treatment plan designed by licensed therapist and implements treatment regimen under the direction of the therapist.
2. Provides direct patient care in accordance with treatment plan.
3. Recognizes changes in patient performance and recommends adjustments to treatment plan.
4. Takes cultural diversity and age specific issues into consideration and utilizes this knowledge in the delivery of patient care
5. Prioritizes, modifies and progresses treatment and time needed appropriately in response to patient needs and response to care
6. Anticipates needs of each patient’s discharge including equipment, outpatient and clinic referrals, and patient/significant other training and education
7. Appropriately schedules patients based on needs and level of service
8. Utilizes proper safety techniques and observations regarding self, each patient, their significant others and the environment.
9. Exemplifies patient centered care as a priority (i.e. timeliness to each session, accommodation of patient personal preference.
10. Meets productivity standards as assigned.
11. Supervises group treatment to monitor accomplishment of patient goals.
12. Trains other therapy assistants in group protocols to insure uniformity of care.

 

• Performs appropriate written communication.

1.  Completes progress, interim and daily documentation in accordance with department and hospital standards. Updates progression towards goal attainment and identifies variances to goal attainment which includes a plan for treatment. Has all notes co-signed by the therapist.
2. Provides up to date documentation of treatment plan for support staff, or for sick and vacation coverage (i.e. treatment cards and goal sheets)
3. Recommends equipment for patients and obtains prescription for patient in a timely manner.
4. Completes discharge summaries under occupational therapist supervision with appropriate co-signature (COTA only).
5. Completes all billing procedures as assigned accurately and within the allotted time frames

 

• Interacts appropriately through clinical communication.

1. Interacts with other therapists, support staff, medical personnel, nursing, care management, etc., to ensure that adequate feedback is provided
2. Practices effective 2 way communication with patients, hospital staff, listens openly, shares information, and asks questions as appropriate
3. Reports appropriately at patient focused meetings including team, TTC’s, and family meetings
4. Keeps supervisor informed of clinical issues, problems or concerns related to job role.
5. Resolves conflicts appropriately and seeks help from supervisor, as appropriate
6. Proactive communication for therapists and assistants in communicating goal revision, treatment planning, LOS, room changes, need for discharge evaluation, etc.

 

• Acts in a professional manner & demonstrates expertise.

1. Complies with the Gaylord Hospital Code of Ethical Behavior and the Code of Ethics established by the discipline’s professional organization. Complies