PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

INSIGHT Surgical Hospital • Chicago, IL

47d • Onsite

About The Position

Works under the administrative direction of the Supervisor of Physical 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 following the core values of Insight Chicago Hospital: providing a high quality of care, patient satisfaction, and compassion toward all patients, personnel, professional staff, volunteers, and guests. The physical therapist assistant provides care appropriate to the age of the patient defined by the following: children and adolescents (8-18 years); adults (19-60 years); geriatric adults (61 years to the end of life).

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.
• Will consider recent graduates who meet eligibility requirements.
• Walks throughout the hospital/clinic during the entire 8-hour shift
• lift patients from beds, chairs, floor, and treatment tables
• bends and lifts equipment weighing approximately 1-50 lbs
• communicate via telephone
• sits at a desk for up to 1-2 hours per shift
• manual dexterity for handling sensitive equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assists supervising physical therapist in the overall assessment of the patient.
• Performs but does not interpret selected measured procedures such as joint range of motion, gross strength of muscle, 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 the evaluation.
• Initiates treatment according to the prescribed plan of care upon completion of the initial evaluation by a supervising PT. Alters treatment only after approval by the supervising PT.
• Utilizes subjective and objective results supplied by supervising PT to guide treatment approaches.
• Reviews chart and/or obtains current information before treatment session and identify information that 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 a plan of care needs to be changed.
• Assesses patient response to treatment and reports unexpected responses to supervising PT. Documents incidences with assistance.
• Instructs patients, nursing, and family regarding the importance of participation in the 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.
• Can present rationale for selection of a particular procedure.
• Participates in patient care and team conferences, clinics, and rounds to coordinate patient care. Makes a verbal/written report regarding the patient’s status when requested.
• Incorporates safety, infection control, and emergency procedures into treatment.
• Charts and authenticates progress notes and treatment summaries promptly.
• Has a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures. Frequently refers to Policy & Procedure Manual in carrying out job responsibilities.
• With occasional guidance, organizes their schedule to reflect a “Patient first” philosophy. Rearranges schedule, coordinates with peers, and asks for assistance when necessary.
• Carries a patient load that reflects the productivity standard of the unit.
• Is responsible for written documentation that includes but is not limited to progress notes, home programs, discharge summaries, statistical reporting, charges, and interdisciplinary forms.
• 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.
• Participates in orienting, teaching, guiding, and evaluating the performance of supportive staff.
• Provides lectures to hospital personnel and community groups as requested.
• Provides timely in-service education after each continuing education course attended. This may include an in-service, project, or educational material.
• Participates in the orientation of new staff and volunteers with the supervision of higher-level therapy staff if requested.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Time - effective 90 days after employment
• Paid Vacation Time - effective 90 days after employment
• Health, vision & dental benefits - eligible at 30 days, following the 1st of the following month
• Short and long-term disability and basic life insurance - after 30 days of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree