What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapy Assistant position at VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF THE WABASH VALLEY INC?
Mission: Providing the best in home health and hospice care in the Wabash Valley…Our Passion, Our Promise, Our Privilege
Vision: Our vision is to be the premier home health and hospice provider in the Wabash Valley by assuring that all individuals we serve reach their highest possible level for independence and health
Values: Compassion first – Integrity always – Respect for all – Excellence in everything
Essential Job Duties
1. Provides patient treatment as established in the Plan of Care under the direction and supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist in the following areas:
A. Increase range of motion.
B. Increase strength.
C. Increase coordination.
D. Increase functional ability.
E. Instruction and training in use of assistive equipment.
F. Instruction and training in use and care of assistive ambulatory devices.
G. Instruction to patient and his/her family in home treatment program.
H. Instruction and training in proper body mechanics.
I. Instruction and training in activities of daily living.
2. The Physical Therapist Assistant shall not perform the following activities:
A. Interpretation of referrals.
B. Physical therapy initial evaluation or re-evaluations.
C. Establish and/or revisions of the Physical Therapy Plan of Care.
D. Discharge visit and establishment of the discharge plan.
E. Documentation of the discharge summary.
3. Maintain a daily time and mileage record and EMR synching for each time patient is treated and submit in accordance with agency policy.
4. Schedules patients for treatment as directed
5. Completes progress notes for each visit on each patient according to VNA policies and procedures and submit in accordance with the timeliness policy.
6. The Physical Therapists Assistant will be supervised by the Physical Therapist and will consult daily to review all home care clients’ treatment and progress toward goals. Progress notes will be written by the PTA at the time of each visit.
A. Communicates patient’s progress and readiness for discharge to the Physical Therapist when goals are met and maximum potential has been reached.
B. The patients treated by the PTA will be visited and reassessed by the Physical Therapist at least every 30 days, to update goals and Plan of Care.
C. Documents conferences with PT for each patient treated by the PTA on a daily basis per agency policy.
7. Maintains an awareness of other therapies the patients may be receiving and confers with these disciplines as needed.
8. Maintains communication with visit staff regarding patient’s treatment progress.
9. Maintains supplies and equipment as needed.
10. Remains current in the practice of Physical Therapy through attendance at Physical Therapy conferences, continuing education programs, in-services, and other meetings to increase and update therapist’s knowledge in the physical therapy field. Submits documentation to be filed in human resource record.
11. Attends patient care conferences as necessary.
12. Participates in departmental record reviews and other QAPI activities.
13. Is knowledgeable regarding agency policy, procedures, and general information.
A. Attends selected workshops, staff meetings, and seminars to enhance job performance & knowledge of services.
B. Reports to work at the scheduled time and uses time efficiently.
C. Willingly performs other duties outside of job responsibilities as may be required.
Qualifications:Education, Training & Experience
1. Must be a graduate of a physical therapy assistant associate degree program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association and recognized by the United States Department of Education.
2. Must be licensed by the State of Indiana Health Professions Bureau.
3. One year experience.
4. Geriatric or home health experience desirable.
5. Must meet requirements for employment, including but not limited to, possession of a valid driver’s license, insurance, successful completion of a criminal background report, and post offer physical exam and drug screen.
Tools & Equipment
General office equipment: office telephone, computer, cellular phone, periodical, medical equipment needed to provide PT services.
Standards of Service Excellence
Attitude
▪Promptly responds to customers in a friendly manner. Every customer greeted with a smile.
▪Listens carefully and uses customer’s name.
▪Is consistently courteous and helpful
Appearance
▪Wears visible identification badge at all times.
▪Displays a positive appearance including appropriate dress as defined in employee handbook.
▪Takes responsibility for facility appearance as within your control
Confidentiality/Privacy
▪Is responsible for ensuring that all patient, facility, and employee information is not compromised
▪Respects privacy of all by eliminating gossip and unprofessional talk.
Commitment to Co-workers (A co-worker is anyone within the organization with whom you interact.)
▪Welcomes and supports new employees.
▪Is considerate, sensitive, and tolerant of other employees and their differences.
▪Is honest in all interactions with co-workers.
Communication
▪Recognizes that customer’s time is very valuable and provides prompt service.
▪Answers telephone promptly and consistently identifies self and department.
▪Returns calls promptly
Safety Awareness
▪Practices safety as a work habit
Working with Others-Teamwork
▪Takes pride in organization as if you owned it. Speaks positively about the organization.
▪Reports to work at scheduled time.
▪Record shows infrequent absences.
▪Attends departmental in-service training and education programs.
▪Supports and participates in various teams throughout the organization as is able.