Physical Therapist Assistant

DHR Health - US:TX:Edinburg - Days

Summary:

Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff physical therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff physical therapist, after the physical therapist has evaluated the patient. The PTA assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The PTA participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.

POSITION EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS :

• Graduate of accredited physical therapy assistant school required
• Current physical therapy assistant license in the State of Texas required
• Current BLS certification required
• Organizational skills is necessary
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of nursing, administration, and physicians
• Prefer hospital experience

Responsibilities:

• Promotes the facility mission, vision and values by effectively communicating them to others. Considers mission, vision and values in developing services, standards and practice
• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff physical therapist. Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff physical therapist.
• Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, and staff physical therapist is apprised of conclusions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the care formed by the physical therapist.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and members of the department.
• Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and facility policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Participates in educational staff performance improvement in services. Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.
• Participates in infection control, departmental training equipment training and organizational CQI activities.

Other information:

JOB KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE :

• Additional languages preferred, Spanish preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.

LINES OF REPSONSIBILITES :

(Chain-of-command)

1. Physical Therapist 2. Lead Physical Therapist 3. Office Administrator 4. Director

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Provide excellent customer service to all DHR customers. All employees are required to attend the DHR C.A.R.E.S program which outlines the Customer Service Principals including: Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service

AGE SPECIFIC :

Employees must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirement relative to his or her age.