Physical Therapy Assistant

REGIONAL ONE HEALTH • Memphis, TN

35d • Onsite

About The Position

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. This 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 encourages patient participation, observes and reports patient reactions to treatment, and provides instruction on the use of assistive devices. Responsibilities also include lifting and transporting patients, documenting progress notes and discharge summaries, maintaining patient medical records, and utilizing patient computer systems. The role requires interaction with medical staff and patients in a courteous manner, responding to emergencies, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to hospital policies. Support is provided to therapists and ancillary personnel, and assistance is given in the orientation and supervision of students. Continuous training and education are required, along with participation in staff meetings and performance improvement initiatives. The assistant is also responsible for the care and maintenance of equipment and maintaining a safe environment. Coverage for relief and absences, including weekends and holidays, may be required.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved program for Physical Therapy Assistant
• 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 appliance 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 test or procedures in other departments/areas.
• Provides documentation of progress notes and discharge summaries by department policy.
• Transports charts, equipment, specimen 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level