Physical Therapy Assistant - PRN - St. Mary's Acute

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital and network focused on helping patients rebuild their lives through inpatient, outpatient, sub-acute rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics, and home and community programs. The Physical Therapy Assistant provides physical therapy services as assigned by and under the supervision of a physical therapist. The role supports patient care and program operations, keeps treatment skills current through continuing education, evidence-based research, and program development, and carries out organizational strategic objectives. Staff must provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served and work within the scope of their license, certification, or registration and applicable law and regulation. The position works collaboratively with patients, families, physical therapists, and interdisciplinary team members. It includes documenting patient status and progress, communicating significant observations and changes, and educating patients and families about physical therapy procedures. The assistant may also support students and volunteers, staff training, program development, and upkeep of treatment areas. The posting identifies the role as PRN and lists St. Mary's Acute in the job title.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Licensed with the State of Michigan.
Possess and maintain BLS certification to meet department or program protocol.
For the Munson location, hold a current American Heart Association BLS Course for Healthcare Professionals certification; training will be provided within 60 days of hire if applicable.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served, including knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and the ability to assess and interpret patient information to identify age-specific care needs.
Meet the physical demands listed for the role: frequently position oneself to perform essential functions; frequently receive and communicate information; transport, position, and/or exert force up to 25, 50, and 75 pounds; and occasionally handle more than 100 pounds.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care, treatment, and services within the scope of licensure, certification, or registration and as required by law and regulation.
Assist the physical therapist with treatment planning and evaluation procedures.
Assist the physical therapist in treating patients using modalities, therapeutic exercise, assistive devices, and functional activities.
Provide verbal and/or written feedback to the physical therapist about significant observations or changes in a patient's condition, reaction, and response to treatment.
Assist in determining equipment and supply needs and may participate in acquiring and inventorying these items.
Function as the primary therapist in treating a patient following the physical therapist's evaluation and direction.
Document patient status and progress according to established internal and external time standards and reimbursement guidelines.
Communicate with others to integrate physical therapy treatment with all aspects of patient care.
Participate, as directed by the physical therapist, in conferences and discussions and exchange written records with interdisciplinary team members.
Instruct patients and families in physical therapy procedures, providing written instructions as necessary.
Participate in designated meetings and in-services.
Follow hospital policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality and infection control requirements.
Meet or exceed program productivity expectations.
Provide discipline-specific coverage within the Mary Free Bed system following cross-training, as requested.
Support program operations as assigned and function as a patient advocate.
Demonstrate competence in relevant software and hardware required for job responsibilities.
Adhere to Mary Free Bed Standards of Behavior when working with patients, coworkers, and community members.
Serve as a clinical instructor for physical therapist assistant students; supervise, teach, and evaluate skills of students and volunteers; and communicate with participating universities about student skill levels.
Serve as a resource person in area of expertise.
Participate in program development and/or research activities as assigned.
Participate in orientation and training of new staff.
Assist in maintaining clean and orderly treatment areas.
Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behavior, and encourage, coach, and monitor the same in team members.
Promote teamwork and direct communication with coworkers and handle confidential information discreetly and sensitively.
Contribute to quality improvement by identifying problems and seeking solutions, promoting patient and family satisfaction, and participating in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.