What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist Assistant - Inpatient - Rehab Services position at Dartmouth Health?
- Assist the Physical Therapist in providing physical therapy treatments, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Administer Physical Therapy modalities of treatment as established under a Physical Therapist’s plan of care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Has skills in the inpatient settings to effectively provide Physical Therapy treatments to acute and swing level patients.
- Should be flexible and responsive to providing care in alternative settings such as the Outpatient Rehab clinic or other identified area of need.
- Should at minimum be familiar with best practice and common treatments for inpatient and swing rehabilitation pathologies, such as, but not limited to; orthopedics, neurological conditions, asthenia due to illness, and general pathophysiology of common disease (Pneumonias, Cancers, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.).
- Should be proficient with rendering common treatment techniques such as, but not limited to; gait training, neuro rehab techniques, exercise modalities, and use of functional activities to help patients reach maximum function.
- Provides specific therapy services under direction of the Physical Therapist and in accordance with an established and written therapy plan of care based upon a physician’s order and the Physical Therapist’s assessment.
- Participates in, and assists the Physical Therapist in developing and reviewing the initial and comprehensive assessments of patient’s needs and the individualized care plan.
- Assists the Physical Therapist with patient and family/caregiver involvement in all aspects of planning and decision-making, as appropriate.
- Demonstrates an ability to consistently exercise appropriate judgment.
- Consults with the Physical Therapist and attending physician concerning therapy regimes and the patient’s progress.
- Administers treatments and therapeutic agents as prescribed by a referring physician and outlined in the Physical therapy care plan in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Informs and instructs the patient about the specific physical therapy procedures to be followed.
- Interviews patients, family members, and/or caregivers as necessary, ensuring privacy and confidentiality at all times.
- Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.
- Observes treatment affect and recommends change to Physical therapist, if needed.
- Able to determine patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation - makes appropriate Physical Therapist contact for intervention and management.
- Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs; family/caregiver is included in teaching, as appropriate.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
- Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
- Interacts professionally with patient, family, and/or caregiver and involves them in the decision making process
- Communicates appropriately and clearly to clinicians, physicians, staff and administrative team.
- Assists to coordinate patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
- Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
- Demonstrates to patients and personnel, as necessary, how to use medical appliances, such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices.
- Makes rounds with the Physical Therapist, inpatient team, or Director as appropriate.
- Helps, teaches, and encourages patients to fully participate in their prescribed therapy, while respecting the patient’s decision to participate or not.
- Establishes trusting relationships with patients and family members by consistently demonstrating compassion, empathy, and respect.
- Records pertinent information in the resident’s medical record.
- Uses authorized abbreviations when recording information.
- Completes and dates all reports, forms, etc, and enters information in a clear, concise, and accurate manner, as appropriate.
- Uses supplies in an efficient and cost effective manner, and notifies the Director when supplies need to be replenished, or when not available.
- Ensures that patient charges are accurate and entered in a timely manner.
- Associates’ Degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
- Active state certification required.
- 1 years in an acute, swing, and/or SNF setting is preferred.
Certified Physical Therapy Assistant