What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapy Assistant (PRN) inpatient weekends position at Caribou Medical Center?
Caribou Medical Center is now hiring a Physical Therapy Assistant (PRN)
The PRN (as needed) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy treatments and interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act and established Plan of Care. The PTA assists patients in reducing pain, improving mobility, restoring function, and achieving maximum independence through skilled therapeutic interventions. This position requires inpatient weekend coverage.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Patient Care Responsibilities
1. Provides Physical Therapy Treatment to Appropriate Individuals as Directed by the Supervising Physical Therapist
- Implements treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist.
- Provides therapeutic exercises, functional mobility training, gait training, balance activities, stretching, and other prescribed interventions.
- Monitors patient response to treatment and reports progress, concerns, and changes in condition to the supervising Physical Therapist.
- Assists patients in achieving treatment goals and maximizing functional outcomes.
- Documents treatments, patient responses, and progress in the medical record according to departmental standards.
- Communicates in a timely manner with the Physical Therapist and other healthcare team members while maintaining patient confidentiality.
2. Provides Skilled Interventions Consistent with the Plan of Care
- Carries out treatment interventions as outlined in the established Plan of Care.
- Records patient response and progress following each treatment session.
- Assists in modifying treatment activities as directed by the supervising Physical Therapist.
- Documents daily treatment activities and patient outcomes.
- Assists office personnel with scheduling evaluations and treatments to support patient compliance and continuity of care.
- Completes daily charge entry consistent with treatment documentation.
- Provides services to both acute care/inpatient and outpatient patients as assigned.
3. Participates as an Active Member of the Rehabilitation Department
- Attends department meetings and educational activities.
- Assists in the development and implementation of new programs and services.
- Participates in community education and outreach activities as appropriate.
- Assists office personnel with answering phones, scheduling appointments, and other clerical duties as needed.
- Works cooperatively with other rehabilitation staff to promote effective patient care and departmental operations.
4. Promotes Safe Work Habits
- Adheres to Standard Precautions, including hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
- Cleans whirlpools and equipment according to department infection prevention standards.
- Reports malfunctioning equipment and safety concerns promptly.
- Utilizes proper body mechanics and assistive devices during patient handling, transfers, lifting, and ambulation training.
5. Maintains a Positive Work Environment
- Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, families, coworkers, providers, and supervisors.
- Demonstrates teamwork, flexibility, and a patient-centered approach.
- Addresses concerns through appropriate channels and established chain of command.
- Accepts constructive feedback and utilizes resources to support professional growth and quality patient care.
6. Other Duties as Assigned
- Performs additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet organizational needs.
Work Environment
This position operates primarily within a hospital setting and provides services to both inpatient and outpatient populations. The role requires frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, and movement throughout the facility. Employees may be exposed to contagious illnesses, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, latex products, odors, and cleaning chemicals.