Job Description

Under general supervision performs patient care based upon treatment plan developed by a licensed Physical Therapist in accordance with the Maryland State Physical Therapy Practice Act. Assists in the overall departmental operations with maintenance of equipment and supplies.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Performs direct patient care activities as outlined in the Physical Therapist’s patient evaluation-treatment plan. Assists therapists with physical therapy treatment in accordance with state law and departmental policies and protocols, as follows: * Performs therapeutic exercises and ambulation training with or without equipment according to the treatment plan. * Applies physical therapy modalities, such as, heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, in accordance with the treatment plan. * Recommends necessary durable medical equipment for continuation of physical therapy upon discharge. * Provides ambulation and transfer training with and without assistive devices and routine exercise programs. Makes necessary adjustments to patient crutches, canes and walkers as needed. * Assists ambulatory patients or transports patients via wheelchair or stretcher to and from the therapy treatment area. Transfers patients to and from beds, wheelchairs, stretchers, mat tables, and/or whirlpools. * Assists in providing whirlpool treatments to patients by moving patients in and out of whirlpools, removing and applying wound dressings, and cleaning whirlpools. * Participates in family training and family education as directed by Therapist.
2. Documents patient care following departmental policies and guidelines.
3. Communicates with Therapists and Therapy Aides regarding patient care. * Acknowledges and responds promptly and effectively to requests for assistance. Responds to patients’ requests either by assisting them or by contacting the responsible Physical Therapist. * Notifies appropriate staff when a change in the patient’s clinical status is noted or the patient relays information pertinent to past or future treatment.
4. Assists in maintaining equipment and supplies in accordance with departmental procedures, to assure availability of resources to therapists and effective departmental operation. * Maintains a safe and orderly work environment by straightening the work area, following specific departmental procedures/instructions, daily. * May assist in stocking treatment area with supplies such as slippers, towels, pillowcases, sheets, dressing supplies, casting supplies, and others items. Stocks treatment area with crutches/crutch supplies and canes as necessary. * Notifies the supervisor immediately of malfunctioning equipment or low supply levels.
5. Assists with answering phones and intercoms, relays messages, and performs various other clerical duties in accordance with departmental procedures. Directs patients, families, and others to appropriate places in the hospital.
6. May assist in delivering and retrieving various items required for patient care.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Graduation from a curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy Association for Physical Therapists Assistants.
2. Licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant by the Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners is required.
3. Current CPR certification is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Effective verbal communication skills are required in order to work with patients and therapists successfully.
2. Ability to learn and practice appropriate safe work procedures and practice positive guest relations skills.
3. Ability to comply with policies and practices regarding safe handling of patients.
4. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information

.