Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview

Manages physical therapy patient treatment programs or portions thereof planned and delegated by the physical therapist. Performs direct patient care, including treatment for a wide variety of diagnosis according to the established treatment plan.  Is able to understand frequently referred diagnoses and interpret the physical therapist's evaluation and treatment plan. Progresses patient treatment in a timely manner and recognizes information that requires alteration of treatment plans. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care delivery and the achievement of desired patient outcomes. Supports the organization vision and mission. Utilizes knowledge of patient's age, developmental status, spiritual and cultural diversity into the provision of patient care.

Responsibilities

• Manages physical therapy patient treatment programs or promotions thereof planned and delegated by the physical therapist.
• Performs direct patient care including treatment for a wide established treatment plan.
• Is able to understand frequently referred diagnoses and interpret the physical therapist's evaluation and treatment plan.
• Progresses patient treatment in a timely manner; recognizes information that requires alteration of treatment plans. Seeks guidance from the physical therapist for complicated cases.
• Reviews patient's chart prior to the implementation of treatment and seeks guidance from the physical therapist when changes in status occur.
• Follows through with patient and family training, issuing of appropriate equipment, and assists with discharge planning. Serves as a clinical resource on patient status.
• Assists with maintenance of department equipment and inventory of department supplies; reports defective equipment to supervisor.
• Follows appropriate documentation procedures for progress notes, billing, home program instruction and rounds reports. Completes documentation in a timely manner.
• Assists with the orientation and training of staff.
• Participates in orientation and training of new physical therapy staff.
• Assists with orientation of temporary physical therapy staff.
• Participates in training of hospital personnel as requested.
• Participates in the training of student interns as assigned.
• Complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures in order to meet department, program and hospital goals.
• Complies with established departmental productivity standard.
• Plans, organizes and controls own time effectively for direct patient care, documentation, record keeping and other job requirements.
• Participates in departmental CQI program.
• Serves on program and hospital committees as requested.
• Demonstrates flexibility with requests for time off, considering the needs of the department.
• Upholds the APTA code of ethics,standards of practice and the state of california statues pertaining to physical therapy.
• Performs ethically at all times.
• Maintains an acceptable standard of care.
• Performs within the philosophy and organizational structure of the institution, the program and the standards governing the profession.
• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth.
• Independently keeps up-to-date with trends and developments in physical therapy practice, procedures and techniques.
• Makes recommendations for implementation of improved or new practices and procedures.
• Presents in service training to department staff as requested.
• Complies with all safety and infection control standards.
• Completes assignments independently within the established time frame.
• Utilizes department equipment, supplies and resources in a conscientious and cost effective manner.
• Participates in achievement of departmental objectives.
• Maintains cleanliness of immediate work area and shares in maintaining orderliness of department.
• Shows concern and reports equipment malfunction and general maintenance needs.
• Communicates effectively with all appropriate individuals regarding patients, staff and personal issues.
• Completes all required written documentation in a thorough, neat and timely manner.
• Communicates regularly with primary physical therapist about specific patient problems, goals and status changes.
• Maintains effective communication and expresses ideas clearly with patients, physical therapy staff, physicians, supervisor and other hospital personnel.
• Keeps supervisor informed about personal concerns which may affect job performance.
• Uses appropriate channels of communication.
• Professional Responsibilities
• Employee has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department on an as-needed basis or as determined by management (ie. acute, subacute, pediatrics, outpatients, home health.)
• Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
• Participates in staff meetings with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
• Communicates well with supervisor reporting problems with equipment, supplies, or procedures. Requests assistance as appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
• Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
• Consistently projects positive professional image through dress, appearance and behavior.
• Attends 75% of state meetings and/or reads and initials minutes and routed informational materials.
• Consistently arrives to work and leaves on time.
•  Complies with hospital policies regarding breaks, time off, tardiness, time cards and sick time.
• Guest/Interdepartmental Relations
• As observed by representatives of management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
• Verbal and written feedback from patients, family members/significant others, medical staff, visitors and co-workers indicates behavior conducive to positive guest relations.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phones promptly, is courteous and helpful).
• Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon request, offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
• Consistently displays a positive and constructive attitude.
• Professional growth and development
• Completes annual safety updates within established time frames.
• Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
• Attends 80% of in-service programs.
• Maintains current licensure/certification as appropriate, ie. PTA, CPR.
• Performance Improvement
• Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other "customers".
• Errors, inefficiencies and inaccuracies are brought to management's attention with suggestions for improvement.
• Develops innovative solutions to departmental problems.
• Identifies and implements methods of controlling costs or generating revenue while providing maximum value to both the patient/customer and the hospital.
• Maximizes efficiency in all departmental operations.
• Measures progress against quality goals.

Qualifications

Graduate of a physical therapist assistant program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the Board of Medical Quality Assurance of the State of California; or completion of training and experience equivalent to that obtained in an approved school.

Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in California, or eligible to take the examination for licensure in the state of California.

BCLS/CPR required.

Proficiency in both written and oral English.

Ability to practice leadership, interpersonal skills, communication skills, teamwork, quality improvement and professionalism.