Physical Therapist Assistant - Acute Care; Per Diem - Yale New Haven Health

Overview:To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, implements treatment programs according to the plan of care, educates patients in treatment techniques, and documents the treatment program and progress in the electronic medical record. Works effectively with other members of the health care team to ensure the safe achievement of therapy goals.

EEO/AA/Disability/VeteranResponsibilities:

• 1. Clinical Skills1.1 Reads all physical therapy documentation, including initial evaluation and plan of care, noting goals and expected outcomes, indications, contraindications, precautions and safety considerations for the patient. 1.2 Seeks clarification from physical therapist, as needed.1.3 Monitors medical record for changes in medical status and/or medical procedures.1.4 Communicates to the physical therapist when there are significant changes in the patient's medical status, physician referral, or when the criticality and complexity of the patient is beyond the knowledge and abilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant.1.5 Provides physical therapy interventions consistent with the plan of care, not altering the plan without supervising physical therapist approval. 1.6 Assures safety of patient and self throughout patient care. 1.7 Provides therapy interventions, which may include therapeutic exercise, gait training, functional training in self-care and home management, therapeutic soft tissue mobilization, passive range of motion, application and adjustment of devices and equipment, and breathing strategies. 1.8 Recognizes when a patient is in respiratory or other medical distress and takes appropriate action. 1.9 Ensures integumentary protection, recognizing interruptions in integumentary integrity. 1.10 Consistent with the plan of care safely utilizes electrotherapeutic modalities, physical agents and mechanical modalities. 1.11 Determines patient response to therapy intervention, uses clinical problem-solving skills in patient care and, in collaboration with the physical therapist modifies interventions to improve patient response.1.12 Provides patient education using a variety of teaching strategies. Provides clear instructions and various methods to enhance compliance. Ascertains patient response/ understanding of instruction.
• 2. Comprehensive Patient Care2.1 Demonstrates ability to function as an interdisciplinary team member. 2.2 Ensures that discharge planning and arrangements for necessary follow up services are completed for each patient, in collaboration and consultation with the supervising physical therapist.2.3 Maintains awareness of needs for reassessment and / or discharge documentation and communicates need with the therapist in a timely manner.
• 3. Workflow Requirements3.1 Manage a full caseload on a daily basis, demonstrating efficient time management. 3.2 Assumes other clinical responsibilities as assigned, 3.3 Consistently seeks out other professional duties. 3.4 Performs other duties as required to ensure efficient operations of the department and hospital. 3.5 Provides weekend and holiday coverage as per schedule.
• 4. Documentation and Administrative Tasks. 4.1 Provides accurate, reproducible, safe, valid, and timely collection and documentation of objective and subjective data to measure the patient's medical status and/ or medical status and / or progress within the intervention. 4.2 Documents at all times communication with supervising physical therapist that precipitates changes to the care plan, treatment and that pertains to patient progress and/ or discharge planning. 4.3 Documents patient care in the electronic medical record using language that is accurate, complete, legible and timely. Identifies and communicates with the physical therapist when further documentation or cosigning is required. Maintains compliance with HIPPA regulations. 4.4 Provides accurate and timely information for billing and reimbursement purposes. 4.5 Demonstrates consistency and timeliness with non-clinical tasks.
• 5. Professionalism5.1 Instructs other members of the health care team, using established techniques, programs, and instructional materials, commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience. 5.2 Educates colleagues and other health care professionals about the role, responsibilities, and academic preparation and scope of work of the PTA as appropriate. Participates, as necessary, in the education and orientation of PTA students and new staff members. 5.3 Participates in team meetings, exchanges information/ knowledge with staff, patients, family members and others as appropriate. 5.4 Keeps informed of current developments in the field via continuing education.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

Associate Degree from an APTA accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

EXPERIENCE

Experience relevant to the assigned practice environment preferred.

LICENSURE

CT Licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant required.All newly hired employees must have current BLS certification or obtain within two months of hire.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Ability to lift 40 pounds and work with patients of varying sizes using safe body mechanics. May require exposure to blood and body fluids, hazardous materials and communicable diseases; long periods of standing and walking; lifting and positioning of patients. The worker must be able to stand, walk, talk, hear, lift, push, pull, reach, stoop, kneel, climb and perform repetitive motions, of the wrist, fingers or hands. The worker is subject to inside environmental/atmospheric conditions such as poor ventilation and is also subject to hazards, such as exposure to chemicals., The worker must be able to operate various exercise equipment, whirlpools, ultrasound and electrical stimulation equipment., The worker must be able to exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and /or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently and/or up to, 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects or the human body. Functions with or without the assistance of reasonable accommodation as determined on a case-by-case basis.Incumbents as well as external and internal applicants who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without the assistance of reasonable accommodation as determined on a case-by-case basis.