Physical Therapist Assistant - Residential Care

Newport Hospital and Health Services Careers•Newport, WA

37d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) passionate about working with seniors in their home environment to help them maximize independence and functional strength while avoiding falls. The PTA will collaborate with physical therapists from Newport Community Hospital to build a new service. The clientele will be residents of River Mountain Village Advanced Care or the River Mountain Memory Care facility. The role also involves providing therapy for patients in acute care and the Swing bed program. The PTA may float to the hospital if volume at River Mountain is low and hospital census is high. The PTA is responsible for administering physical therapy treatments and services under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, implementing the Plan of Care, and assisting residents in restoring normal function, preventing further disability, and reaching maximum performance within their capabilities. The role requires working within a multidisciplinary team, communicating effectively with team members, and participating in departmental operations and performance improvement activities.

Requirements

AA degree from a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
Holds current certificate/licensure in Washington state as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Once hired, will complete required Mental Health and Dementia training courses.
One (1) or more years of experience in residential care/skilled nursing/long term care settings.
Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
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 if needed.
Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided any reassessments per policy.
Demonstrates the ability to adhere to the mission, ethics and goals of the District.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate with patients, guests and staff in a courteous, respectful and helpful manner.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) or more years of experience in residential care/skilled nursing/long term care settings, including fall prevention programs.

Responsibilities

Administering physical therapy treatments and services as supervised by the staff Physical Therapist.
Administering treatments and physical agents consistent with the written Plan of Care created by the evaluating Physical Therapist.
Assisting with restoration of the resident’s normal function to prevent further disability following injury, or disease processes.
Assisting residents to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.
Working well within the multi-disciplinary team model and communicating well with team members.
Participating in operational aspects of the department and performance improvement activities.
Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease.
Providing patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound if needed, among other assigned duties.
Providing treatment as directed by the staff Physical Therapist.
Observing and evaluating treatment effect, discusses observations with staff Physical Therapist.
Assessing patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact if needed.
Performing components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided any reassessments as per policy.
Monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.
Performing all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
Supporting and maintaining a culture of safety and quality.
Assisting with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assessing effectiveness of learning.
Including family in teaching as appropriate, and appraising the staff Physical Therapist of conclusions.