Physical Therapy Assistant FT

Description

 Job Title: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) 

Supervised by: Staff Physical Therapist, Manager

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 Inservice 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 infection prevention and control, departmental training 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 with