Physical Therapist Assistant (Pta)

University Hospitals Rehabilitation Hospital is proud to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Rehabilitation Hospitals in 2021 and 2022!

UH Rehabilitation Hospital is a joint venture between University Hospitals and LifePoint Health, bringing together the expertise of both world-class organizations. Our goal is to restore lives, helping patients regain their independence so they can return home. Our 50-bed, state-of-the-art acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals who have experienced a variety of conditions - including Traumatic Brain Injury, Stoke, Spinal Cord Injury, and more! We make us of the most up to date Rehabilitation Technology available - including Ekso Skeletons, VR systems, and InMotion ARM - to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes!

Schedule: We operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether you're looking for a weekend only rotation, a day or two during the week, or both - we're willing to work with your schedule!

JOB SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapy Assistant functions under the direct supervision of the Physical Therapist and as directed by a licensed physician, is responsible for a specific patient’s care. The PTA assumes responsibility and accountability for providing physical therapy modalities and treatment procedures as determined by a treatment plan established by a Physical Therapist in order to restore function and prevent disability following patient illness or injury. The PTA carries out these responsibilities in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies while maintaining the highest degree of quality patient care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Under guidance of supervising PT: Acquires pertinent information and implements comprehensive program using varied techniques and treatment activities; reviews and modifies treatment in response to changing patient needs; identifies equipment and discharge needs.

• Provides treatment to diverse diagnostic populations and completes supporting documentation according to hospital policy and State Practice Act.
• Other duties as assigned
• Develops home programs and instructs patients in the programs as delegated by the supervising physical therapist.
• Demonstrates appropriate safety measures when implementing treatment programs.
• Conducts the class/group situations (stroke, SCI, BI) as appropriate.
• Assists the patient in the preparation for treatment/modality as necessary.
• Demonstrates appropriate and effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication with team members through the continuum of care.
• Assists in maintenance of safe, clean work environment.
• Records daily charges within day of treatment
• Observes, measures and records the cardiovascular responses of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function of participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate interventions to reduce pain after consulting with supervising OTR/L and makes appropriate physician contact as indicated.
• Assists in program development and preparation to meet regulatory agency standards i.e. Joint Commission, CARF.
• The population is adult and geriatric patients requiring an adult medical rehabilitation program and services.
• Performs discharge planning under the direct supervision of the PT (prescriptions, equipment requests, and referrals).
• Observes treatment affect, accomplishment of short and long term goals and recommends change to the supervising PT, if needed.
• Perceives the existence of problems and notifies supervising therapist for implementation of safe, effective and timely solutions.
• Writes progress notes in accordance with departmental policy.
• Utilizes specialized equipment, testing procedures and/or advanced treatment techniques with appropriate competency
• Protects patient confidentiality in regard to medical, emotional, and social status.
• May transport patients/equipment to/from therapy gym.
• Reports on patient’s status at team and family conferences when necessary. (Team conferences should be attended by the supervising PT and with the PTA in attendance.)
• Assists in preparation/maintenance of daily treatment schedule.
• Provides written and updated treatment/coverage programs for days off.
• Complies with department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines with respect to ethics, legal issues and supervisory relationships. Demonstrates professional accountability per APTA Physical Therapy Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Assists in inventory and ordering of supplies and equipment.
• Communicates collaborates with support personnel regarding treatment orders as directed by the supervising PT.
• Plans and presents educational programs for department; hospital and/or community.
• Applies the physical agents, therapeutic exercises or gait-training activates as outlined by the licensed PT, in the patient POC. Progresses patients in an appropriate manner when deemed necessary by the PT.
• Is aware of patient injury/diagnosis and takes all necessary precautions for observing indications and contradictions.
• When necessary, instructs care giver/family members in home exercise program as related to the patient’s functional and ambulatory status: discusses necessary equipment for the home situation.
• Assists in preparation/maintenance of daily treatment schedule.
• Provides input/suggestions for the physical functioning of the department in the areas of equipment management, space utilization, storage, etc.
• Uses computer system to assist in preparation/maintenance/printing of work list and entering of charges.
• Keeps the supervising therapist informed of patient’s status, problem areas, progress, etc.
• Provides orientation, instruction, supervision and/or guidance to ancillary staff, PTA students, and volunteers.
• Completes timely and accurate documentation, including QI scoring, of patient treatment in the patient medical record as indicated

• Previous experience in the care of patients preferred.
• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Current BLS/CPR.