GENERAL SUMMARY: Under general direction, assists in or provides physical therapy treatments or procedures to assigned patients. Complies with all safety and infection control standards. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of a Graduate Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Therapy Coordinator, or designee in conjunction with the department director who makes assignments and reviews work for conformance to established policies, procedures and standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Under direction of Graduate Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist, implements the patient plan of care consistent with physician orders and the physical therapist findings/recommendations. Takes into consideration medications and their impact upon patient function.
- Assists and/or delivers prescribed physical agent modalities, exercise techniques and routine re-assessments as directed.
- Seeks to remedy identified patient and family learning needs, barriers to goal achievement, and patient risk factors. Documents educational interventions and/or patient referrals per department standards.
- Documents results of patient progress and/or reaction to therapy process and discharge recommendations/summary.
- Collaborates with physical therapist in making changes in treatment plan or terminating Treatment.
- Maintains knowledge of reimbursement issues related to delivery of physical therapy services. Takes steps to ensure documentation is legible, complete, and timely.
- Demonstrates technical understanding and skill proficiency in performance of work as evidenced through competency testing. Complies with professional and ethical practice guidelines.
- Actively participates in departmental performance improvement activities. Contributes feedback to supervisor to improve quality of care to patients, visitors, and referral sources.
- Identifies own educational needs. Seeks to improve skill and knowledge through continuing education and professional organization involvement. Attends and participates in departmental education and in-service programs. Takes initiative to in-service peers in a timely manner following educational training.
- Collaborates with patient, family, and other care providers in determining need for changes in plan of care, referrals to community resources, and home, work, or school adaptations.
- Identifies patients at risk for injury or physiological changes with exertion or application of modalities. Adheres to safety precautions to prevent falls, injuries or medical emergencies.
- Manages daily work assignments and meets productivity expectations. Schedules appropriate amount of time for patient care and documentation.
- Shares responsibility in maintaining work area in a manner conducive to efficiency and safety. Participates with monitoring of inventory and supplies.
- Accurately enters patient’s charges daily. Monitors frequency and length of treatment so as not to exceed authorized treatment visits.
- Performs other related duties as required. Utilizes new improvements and/or technologies that relate to job assignment.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Graduation from an accredited two (2) year college level program for Physical Therapist Assistants.
- Some experience preferable.
- Sufficient to lift moderately heavy objects.
- Ability to use restraint to ensure the patient’s safety.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to maintain simple clerical records and to prepare reports from such records.
- Ability to write legibly.
- Ability to make rapid and accurate arithmetic calculations and tabulations
- Ability to do routine cleaning and related custodial work.
- Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with patients, physicians, families, public, and other Medical Center personnel.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- State of Michigan Physical Therapy Assistant license (when required by law).
