Physical Therapist Assistant Contingent

Trinity Health•Livonia, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary duties of the Physical Therapist Assistant are to assist the Physical Therapist in developing and executing a program that is designed to meet the needs of the patient and is in accordance with the physician’s order. Treatment plans may be modified based on patient response and with consultation of the evaluating Physical Therapist. PERFORMANCE DUTIES: Communicates positively and effectively with patients, physicians, physical therapists, support staff, families and supervisors. Communicates pertinent information concerning patient care to other team members (i.e.: precautions, changes in patient status). Communicates pertinent information concerning patient care, scheduling needs to Supervisor. Treatment plans are implemented efficiently and safely. Treatment planning is accomplished specific to the needs of each individual patient. Makes appropriate decisions with guidance from the Physical Therapist concerning modification of the initial treatment plan on a regular basis. Modifies treatment goals for each patient with approval from the Physical Therapist. Therapist documentation is accurate and complete in all clinical and administrative applications. Documents clearly and concisely the various aspects of the therapeutic process on appropriate forms using guidelines published by the APTA. Documentation in patient records performed in a timely manner. Completes appropriate forms for billing procedures on a timely basis. Demonstrates mature approach to professional PM&R Department employment status. Demonstrates flexibility and professional approach to constantly changing environment. Demonstrates professional decorum in daily clinical and administrative actions. Abides by the APTA Code of Ethics. Maintains current knowledge in physical therapy practice (i.e.: attendance at on-going educational programs, attends at least one continuing education meeting per year). Demonstrates respect for patient rights by maintaining strict confidentiality of patient information Demonstrates leadership and professional example. STEWARDSHIP: Demonstrates adherence to Trinity Health’s Compliance Integrity Program, code of Ethics, as well as other policies of St. Mary Mercy Hospital and Trinity Health. Demonstrates punctuality and adheres to attendance policies. Uses departmental resources in a cost effective manner and manages own work activities efficiently and effectively. Demonstrates initiative and seeks opportunities to enhance operating performance.

Requirements

Graduate from an institution accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association and awarded an associate degree in Physical Therapy.
Awareness of the relative value and limitations of each piece of equipment.
Skilled in the use of a broad range of modalities with a clear understanding of indications and contraindications.
Ability to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and mechanical functioning of the body to specialized treatment techniques.
Knowledge of how to position patients with various conditions for different types of treatments.
Ability to instruct students, interns, and nurses in methods and objectives of therapeutic applications.
Consult with physician concerning goals and treatment plans.
Ability to monitor patient’s response to treatment and modify treatment approach as indicated.
Computer knowledge necessary.
Current registration/licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant through Michigan.
Stooping, pulling, pushing, and manual dexterity when performing manual techniques.
Ability to lift/support patients and equipment of all weights.
Regular heavy lifting involved.
Visual acuity necessary to perceive reactions to treatment and to read instruments.
Talking and hearing necessary to convey and receive instructions and provide information to patients and staff members.
Willingness to work with realization that errors have serious consequences for the patient.
Ability to work with a variety of patients of all age groups, many of whom are in debilitated conditions.
Characteristics of warmth, understanding, and friendliness to establish a productive and therapeutic relationship with the patient.
Alertness to detect symptoms of unfavorable reactions.
Creativity and adaptability in providing therapeutic care.
Accuracy in adjustment of sensitive electrical instruments and in timing of treatments.
Initiative and judgment involved in administering treatment as prescribed by the physician and physical therapist, interpreting patients’ reactions, developing and maintaining work schedules, preparing reports of treatments and results, and adapting therapeutic exercises and equipment to patients when required.
Ability to form conclusions reflecting patient’s progress on basis of both sensory judgmental criteria and measurable or verifiable criteria, indicated by patient’s reaction to therapeutic activities.
Clerical perception necessary to keep accurate records of patient’s treatment, reactions and evolution of progress.
Spatial and form perception necessary to visualize anatomical structure of the disabled part of the body and the relation of therapeutic devices in remedial actions.
Verbal ability necessary to understand medical terminology and how it applies to physical therapy; to communicate with patients, staff and physicians; and to prepare meaningful reports.

Nice To Haves

Some hospital attendant experience desirable.
On-the-job training in use of various equipment, and in department methods and procedures.

Responsibilities

Assist the Physical Therapist in developing and executing a program designed to meet patient needs and physician's orders.
Modify treatment plans based on patient response and consultation with the Physical Therapist.
Communicate positively and effectively with patients, physicians, physical therapists, support staff, families, and supervisors.
Communicate pertinent patient care information, including precautions and changes in patient status, to team members.
Communicate patient care information and scheduling needs to the Supervisor.
Implement treatment plans efficiently and safely, tailored to individual patient needs.
Make appropriate decisions regarding treatment plan modifications with guidance from the Physical Therapist.
Modify treatment goals with approval from the Physical Therapist.
Ensure accurate and complete documentation in all clinical and administrative applications.
Document the therapeutic process clearly and concisely on appropriate forms, adhering to APTA guidelines.
Complete documentation in patient records in a timely manner.
Complete appropriate forms for billing procedures on a timely basis.
Demonstrate a mature, flexible, and professional approach to employment and a constantly changing environment.
Maintain professional decorum in daily clinical and administrative actions.
Abide by the APTA Code of Ethics.
Maintain current knowledge in physical therapy practice through continuing education.
Demonstrate respect for patient rights by maintaining strict confidentiality of patient information.
Demonstrate leadership and professional example.
Adhere to Trinity Health’s Compliance Integrity Program, code of Ethics, and hospital policies.
Demonstrate punctuality and adhere to attendance policies.
Use departmental resources cost-effectively and manage work activities efficiently.
Demonstrate initiative and seek opportunities to enhance operating performance.
Perform discharge planning in coordination with the evaluating physical therapist.
Perform documentation as dictated by policy and reimbursement trends, including obtaining physical therapist signature.
Participate in ongoing methods of learning and clinical skill mastery.
Provide instruction for home programs.
Monitor patient’s response to treatment and modify treatment approach as indicated.
Willing to participate in evaluation of aides.
Attend inservices and meetings.
Perform other related duties as requested.