Physical Therapy Assistant - Per Diem - Shift

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services. Per diem employees supplement department staffing needs, with no guaranteed minimum hours, and must be willing and available to work four shifts per four-week scheduling period. Under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant provides direct patient care using physical therapy modalities and procedures in accordance with physician orders. This California-licensed classification provides direct patient care under the direction and supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist. The role differs from a Physical Therapist, who independently evaluates, plans, and implements rehabilitation programs, and from a Physical Therapy Aide, whose work is limited in direct patient care. Depending on the practice area or department assignment, the assistant may provide care to patients from newborn through geriatric age, including patients over 100 years old. The position requires maintaining applicable health requirements and certifications. Depending on the assignment, applicants may be subject to an extensive background investigation and fingerprinting. Kern Medical employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be expected to remain at or report to work following a significant emergency or disaster. If job duties require driving, the applicable California driver's license and vehicle-use policy requirements apply.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited program and/or a program approved by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
Current California licensure to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Applicants who have completed an accredited program and/or applied but have not yet taken the licensure examination must pass it during their probationary period; failure to do so results in termination.
If not holding an American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Responder certification within 30 days of employment; maintain RQI Responder certification and competency as a condition of employment.
Maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
Knowledge of physical therapy principles and methods, the roles of the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistant, and the objectives of physical therapy treatment.
Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, physical therapy treatments and procedures, and the operation and care of physical therapy equipment.
Ability to use and care for orthopedic appliances and special equipment.
Ability to explain, teach, and administer physical therapy treatments and procedures.
Ability to keep case-history records and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.
Be willing and available to work four shifts per four-week scheduling period.
If responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, possess a current valid California driver's license and comply with the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119). If responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical, possess a current valid California driver's license, sign an authorization for release of driver's record information, and comply with that policy.
Depending on assignment, submit to an extensive background investigation and fingerprinting; potential disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, or traffic offenses is assessed case by case.

Nice To Haves

Other unit-specific certification may be required, depending on assignment.

Responsibilities

Provide corrective exercise and treatment to assigned patients under the direction of a Physical Therapist who has assessed and evaluated the patient, and monitor patients during therapeutic exercise.
Administer supervised treatments, including exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs, and traction.
Observe patients undergoing treatment and report unusual occurrences and changes in physical condition to the Physical Therapist.
Communicate appropriately with the supervisor, physical therapy staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.
Document services and maintain records in accordance with procedures and established guidelines.
Participate in professional development, continuing education, and in-service training; monitor quality management issues.
Maintain treatment areas and equipment in proper working order.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in caring for patients across age groups, depending on practice area or department assignment.
Assist with scheduling physical therapy services and coordinating therapy with other services.
Assist with tests and evaluations used to establish treatment goals and document patient progress.
Assist in explaining orthopedic recommendations and their benefits, and provide instructions to patients and relatives.
Perform other job-related duties as required.