TITLE OF POSITION: PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: REGISTERED PHYSICAL THERAPIST

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS – HIGH

DUTIES

Provides skilled Physical Therapy services on an intermittent basis to patients in their homes under direction from the Registered Physical Therapist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of a Registered Physical Therapist (PT) provide patient services which have been delegated by the PT.

Under the supervision of the physical therapist, assist in evaluation and development of a rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation as required.

Participate in the preparation of clinical and daily progress notes, all notes are reviewed by the PT and submitted weekly, also prepares periodic summary reports.

As directed, perform routine strengthening and therapeutic exercises and assists the patient with the use of self-help devices.

Together with the PT, instruct the patient and family and assists in teaching exercise programs to the patient and family.

Identifies possible ineffective drug therapy or adverse reactions, significant side effects, drug allergies, and contra-indicated medication and reports same to the PT.

Observes and records activities and findings in the clinical record and reports to the PT and the physician the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition.

Consults with PT regarding the outcome of home visits and reports physical findings in written form.

Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, assist in evaluation and development of the rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation as indicated.

Instructs other health team personnel including, as appropriate, Home Health Aides, as well as family members with respect to certain phases of physical therapy, so that they may work with the patient.

Write daily progress notes on patients, submit same weekly, and prepares periodic summary reports as indicated.

Attends rehabilitation department staff meetings and case conferences.

Participates with staff, patients, and physicians in discharge activities and assists the Physical Therapist in completing the Physical Therapy Discharge Summary.

Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director of Nursing in order to coordinate Agency visits.

Assumes responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and reading.

Assumes other duties deemed appropriate and necessary by the PT and as designated by Registered Nurse Case Management and the Nursing Supervisor.

ASSISTS IN THE AGENCY ADMISSION PROCESS

Obtains a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.

Evaluates the patient, the patient's significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.

Assures that the physician's orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients' homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move patient weight up to 250 pounds, lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to effectively communicate in English.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Physical therapy equipment and other medical equipment will be utilized. Hand washing materials.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all patient medical records which may be discussed with Director of Nursing, the Administrator, the Executive Director, and the Quality Assurance department staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have graduated from a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), or its successor organizations.

Must be licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.

Must have one year experience, prefer in a home health agency.

Must have a criminal background check.

Must have a current CPR certification. Online certification is not accepted.