Summary of Duties

Implements physical therapy services under the direction of the Physical Therapist. Responsible for providing optimal patient care, for adult and geriatric patients, according to the hospital and departmental policies and procedures and JCAHO standards and requirements. Accountable for the delivery of direct patient care, progression of established treatment plans, and communicating patient progress in the medical record and to the Physical Therapist.

Essential Job Functions

1. Carries out under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Treatment Plan that is individualized based on the age appropriate needs of all patients.
2. Observes and reports patient responses to treatment to the Physical Therapist.
3. Maintains adequate documentation for patient and departmental records in accordance with hospital and departmental policy.
4. Supervises performance of staff under his/her supervision and assists in problem solving with the staff under his/her supervision.
5. Interacts with physicians and other healthcare professionals when indicated concerning orders, treatment plan revisions, interpretations, etc. in relation to the care of patients.
6. Participates in the multidisciplinary care for patients by communicating with the patient. their family, and the other members of the healthcare team participating in the care of that patient.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

1. Utilizes appropriate communication and displays compassion in customer interactions.
2. Applies principles of collaboration and teamwork to job responsibilities.
3. Exercises sound resource utilization and creativity in completing work assignments.
4. Displays customer relation behaviors and utilizes continuous quality improvement principles.
5. Maintains current knowledge of hospital and departmental events by reviewing notices, memos, and minutes of meetings available to staff.
6. Maintains established departmental policies and procedures. objectives. quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
7. Assists in maintaining a clean and safe patient care environment reporting all hazardous conditions to the supervisor.
8. Reports all incidents/accidents, no matter how minor, to the supervisor immediately.
9. Reports defective equipment to the supervisor immediately.
10. Maintains the confidentiality of patient information and respects patient privacy and dignity. Cooperates with other staff members to achieve department goals and promotes good inter/intra departmental relations and public relations.
11. Participates in staff development programs, staff meetings, and all mandatory inservices.
12. Participates in performance improvement activities.
13. Serves on hospital committees and multidisciplinary teams as assigned.

Education

Associates Degree from an American Physical Therapist Assistant Program; Current Licenses to practice as a physical Therapist Assistant from the State of Alabama.

Experience

None. Three months of on-the-job training will be provided for the individual to become proficient in performing the duties of the job.

Specific Requirements

1. Must have CPR certification within thirty (30) days of employment.
2. Must possess effective communication skills and have a good command of the English language.
3. Must have the ability to adapt to changes in routine.
4. Must demonstrate the ability to efficiently use the computer.
5. Must learn and utilize software applications or systems used in the Division, for example Human Resources and payroll (Workflow, ADP, Kronos), online policies, procedures and forms (Replica and NHS Forms), order entry, admissions (CPSI), reporting (L-drive Excel files), communication (e-mail).
6. Must complete online training (Noland Online!).
7. Must be responsible for seeking help if required to use electronic systems.
8. Must have the ability to organize and prioritize work.
9. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, visitors and the general public.
10. Must have the ability to minimize waste of supplies and misuse of equipment.
11. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
12. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions.
13. Demonstrates the ability to research using resource manuals.