Rehabilitation Aide

Major Responsibilities

Administration of Therapist/Assistant initiated patient exercise programs

• Follows through with therapist-established exercise program per handout.
• Demonstrates knowledge in accessing home exercise programs and brochures from SharePoint, as appropriate.
• Assists with therapy sessions as instructed by PT/PTA/OT/COTA.
• Follows through with therapists’ guidelines on ROM exercises.
• Communicates with nursing and other staff regarding therapy-related information, as instructed by the therapists.
  
  

Prepares and assists therapists with wound management, and perform appropriate set-ups of Woundcare equipment.

• Perform thorough and safe set-up of Woundcare equipments, both woundvac and pulsatile lavage.
• Assist therapist with the process as instructed in applying woundvacs or treatment with pulsatile lavage.
• Communicate with nursing regarding any woundcare related information, as instructed by the therapists.
  
  

Manages treatment environment.

• Cleans treatment area/equipment after each patient use and at the end of the day, using hospital-approved cleaning supplies.
  
  

For treatment conducted in the gym, the Rehab Aide/Tech will clean treatment area /equipment after each patient use and at the end of the day.

• For treatment conducted in the patient’s room, the Rehab Aide/Tech is responsible for re-applying SCD’s, plugging in equipment, ensure the bed is in the lowest position and locked, bed rails are up, based on patient needs, call light, bedside table, phone is returned to pre-treatment locations.
• Prior to treatment, the Rehab Aide/Tech will set-up the patient’s room and ensure the therapist has the equipment needed to conduct treatment.
  
  

Maintenance of equipment and/or supplies necessary for daily operations of the clinic.

• Vends DME to patients based on orders and therapist's recommendation.
• Performs cleaning and maintenance of walkers, canes, crutches, stair case, mat table, splint pans, etc., after patient use.
• Updates supervisor when equipment supply needs to be replaced/ordered.
  
  

Participation in educational activities.

• Keeps informed of changes occurring within the Physical Medicine department and Advocate Health Care.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings on regularly scheduled work days.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives within the department and organization.
• Completes mandatory competencies and CBTs within specified timelines.
  
  

Implementation of Department Goals.

• Actively assists with achieving “Always” and “Very Good” responses on survey tools for inpatient and outpatient areas.
• Identifies and reports safety events, including near misses.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement within the department and organization.
  
  

Performance of clerical tasks as related to the general operations of the department.

• Answers phones, taking and delivering accurate messages
• Assists in OP front desk responsibilities, if needed.
• Assists supervisors with data collection for Lean projects and departmental performance improvement initiatives, as appropriate.
• Assists with the mentoring and coaching of new Rehab Aides. Education/Experience Required:
• High school diploma
• 6 months experience working with people on a one-on-one basis
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with computers
• CPR certified
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

This position involves bending, lifting consistently at least 35

pounds, pushing wheelchairs and transferring patients, which often requires physical strength, endurance and use of proper body mechanics. Set-up of certain equipment requires strength to tighten knobs, etc. Physical stamina during emergency situations may be required and often cannot be delegated (i.e. assisting patients down stairs during re-education, performing CPR, etc.) Contact with infectious wounds and certain pathologies which requires the use of Universal Precautions is common. Use of Hazardous Material for cleaning and sterilization of equipment may be involved. Evening hours may be required. Weekend and holiday work is required in some work areas.

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Addendum: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Requires use of Universal Precautions at times.

This position will need to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated (i.e.) understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging.

Prior Experience With Various Age Groups Is Preferred.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.