Physical Therapy Assistant (for Outpatient Therapy)

REGIONAL ONE HEALTH•Memphis, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for Outpatient Therapy located at our downtown facility. Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant performs treatments and provides exercise instruction and demonstration for patients in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role involves preparing patients for treatment, directing and coordinating individual treatments and exercises to restore strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion, and performing delegated treatment procedures. The assistant will encourage patient participation, observe and report patient reactions to treatment, provide instruction on assistive devices, and manage patient transport and documentation. This role also requires maintaining patient medical records, utilizing computer systems, interacting courteously with patients and staff, responding to emergencies, and maintaining confidentiality. The position supports therapists and ancillary personnel, assists in student supervision, completes required training, attends meetings, and participates in performance improvement initiatives. Additionally, the assistant is responsible for equipment maintenance, maintaining a safe environment, and providing coverage for absences, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved program for Physical Therapy Assistant
Required and Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric patient as specialty assignment dictates.
PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant Licensed to work in state of TN Upon Hire
CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire
Experience in patient care as obtained through completion of a Physical Therapy Assistant program

Responsibilities

Prepares patients and performs treatment procedures in accordance with the principles and practices of Physical and Rehab Therapy.
Directs and coordinates individual treatments and exercises to maintain and restore strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion by following a treatment plan for each patient evaluated by the Physical Therapist.
Performs delegated treatment procedures such as gait training, exercise, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic modalities of heat, electricity and mechanical traction, and paraffin.
Encourages and motivates patients to participate in the treatment program by discussing and explaining their treatment goals and objectives.
Observes and assists with tests to determine patient’s functional level in performing activities of daily living.
Observes reactions and responses of patients to physical therapy treatment and reports observations to Physical Therapist.
Provides instruction to patients/families concerning proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices to include gait training and functional training.
Lifts, positions, and transports patients utilizing proper technique and equipment.
Accompanies and remains with patient for clinical tests or procedures in other departments/areas.
Provides documentation of progress notes and discharge summaries by department policy.
Transports charts, equipment, specimens, and supplies.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency, and meet age-specific patient needs in a caring, compassionate, and sensitive manner.
Prepares and maintains required records, reports, and files for administrative and compliance purposes.
Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities and observations.
Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.
Interacts and communicates in a customer-responsive and courteous manner in compliance with iRESPECT standards and promoting patient/customer satisfaction.
Works collaboratively with medical/hospital staff and patients to coordinate and implement patient care activities.
Responds appropriately to emergency situations and notifies appropriate personnel.
Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to patient/family, department, and hospital information.
Adheres to established department and organization policies (i.e., HIPAA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).
Provides support to therapist and other ancillary personnel to complete the initial and ongoing assessments of patients and to provide clinical assistance as needed.
Assists in the orientation and supervision of students when they provide patient care, treatment, and services as part of their training.
Completes required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements.
Attends staff meetings, all mandatory in-service, and additional continuing education as required.
Responds to problems/opportunities to improve care.
Supports and participates in the organization’s Performance Improvement initiatives.
Assists in care and maintenance of equipment, instruments, and supplies.
Reports malfunctioning equipment and documents need for repair/maintenance, notifying manager as appropriate.
Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel.
Adheres to established policies, compliance/quality improvement with consideration given to risk management, infection control, and patient safety practices.
Provides coverage for relief and absences as required.
Demonstrates flexibility to work weekends and holidays to maintain required coverage of the Rehab Department.