Rehab Tech— Skilled Nursing

Theradynamics•New York, NY

About The Position

Under the direction of the rehabilitation director, the rehab tech helps patients to attain and sustain their highest functional level by implementing strategies and techniques to increase/maintain their strength capacity and general well-being. The rehab tech works in collaboration with restorative, nurse, unit nurses and therapists by following treatment procedures outlined by the nursing and therapy staff to enable patients to perform daily activities. In addition, the rehab tech supports physical and occupational therapy care delivery by preparing treatment area, patient equipment and materials, performing procedures under the supervision of a qualified therapist/clinician.

Requirements

Must have at least one-year Long Term Care or hospital experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
One year of Rehabilitation Nursing experience is preferred.
Must complete restorative nursing curriculum, pass competencies and receive certification by the Restorative Nurse
The rehab tech must demonstrate competency in skills and techniques, as taught by the rehabilitation department necessary to assist nursing and therapy staff in their day to day responsibilities
Individual must able to service resident/patients with a wide range of disabilities including those with critical and complex diagnosis.
Must be able to provide guidance to staff.
Must have good organizational skills.
Must be creative and have good observations and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

Receives specific restorative nursing assignments directly from the Restorative Nurse. These assignments often involve residents who are still on a formalized therapy program or recently discharged from one, with specific orders from the therapist.
Receives specific instructions from formalized therapies re: splint use, ROM, special positioning techniques, assistive/adaptive devices and equipment, bowel and bladder management, restorative dining, bladder retraining
Documents progress of resident as directed by supervisor and reports any change in level of functioning to the Restorative Nurse/unit manager/primary care nurse.
Completes daily record to signify that the specified restorative nursing measure was done.
Ensures consistency between the therapy program and residents nursing’s needs
Monitors resident’s progress on the Restorative Nursing Program and collaborate
Receives specific instructions from the restorative nurse regarding techniques of subsequent nursing orders. Alternatively, the unit manager may serve as a liaison between the Restorative Nurse and Rehabilitation Tech.
Coaches CNAs in positioning, ROM, ambulation, ADL, cones/splints/contracture care, ADL specifics, safety device application, appropriate positioning devices and wheelchair cushions, safety devices, etc.
Follows protocols and procedures for restorative nursing care as set by the Restorative Nurse and Nursing Administration.
Works with rehab to track and update the list of adaptive devices and equipment provided to each resident, notifying therapy/nursing if a device is missing.
Collaborates with nursing/rehab to provide a list of devices and equipment to the nursing units as directed by the restorative nurse
Spots checks that resident’s assistive devices are in place as ordered
Attends care-planning conferences.
Coordinates restorative dining program, educates CNAs and ensures residents have their recommended assistive feeding devices in dining room
Participates in Rehab Rounds and Wound care Rounds as instructed
Informs charge nurse of suggestions for changes that he/she perceives as necessary for improving resident care and that would help the resident reach the highest possible functioning level.
Assists supervisor with orientation and staff development in principles and practices of restorative nursing as directed.
Works with the nursing assistants on the unit to ensure that functional maintenance programs are carried out safely and as directed.
Keeps nurse informed of changes in resident’s health and ability to perform specified restorative nursing program, as well as any factors that interfere with being able to perform the work as assigned (i.e. resident refusals, sick)
Acts as a team member with the nurse being head of the team.
Assists supervisor in keeping lists of restorative approaches current and updated. If these measures are not on CNA Accountability Record, inform nurse and supervisor so this can be done.
Answer and respond to call lights promptly and courteously.
Performs additional responsibilities as necessary to maintain continuity of patient care.
Supports physical and occupational therapy care delivery by preparing treatment area, patient, equipment and materials; performing procedures, under the supervision of a physical or occupational therapist.
Perform all patient transfers (including stand pivot, 2 person, sliding board, hoyer lift, non-weight bearing)
Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols
Prepares patients for physical and occupational therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patient into therapy apparel or apertures.
Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests, allaying fears.
Helps treat patients by applying heat packs; paraffin dips; assisting patients into whirlpool; helping patients onto exercise equipment, monitoring motion; tracking walking time and distance; measuring mobility; performing prescribed exercises and strengthening techniques.
Educates patients by demonstrating proper use of equipment and exercise routines.
Provides equipment and supplies by sterilizing and delivering equipment and supplies to treatment area; positioning equipment for therapist access; positioning patient on equipment.
Ensures operation of physical and occupational therapy equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instruction; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
Maintains physical and occupational therapy supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
Enhances physical and occupational therapy department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.