Physical Therapist Assistant- PRN

1. Performs patient care related activities to support effective therapy care.

• Provides individualized patient care, consistent with the plan of care, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. 
• Observes patients during treatments and compiles data on patient’s responses to treatments and progress and reports orally or in writing to the Physical Therapist.
• Monitors treatments administered by Physical Therapy Technicians.
• Assists in orientation of new Physical Therapy Assistants and directs and gives instructions to Physical Therapy Technicians.

 2. Prepares the patient and treatment area for the administration of procedures and therapy.

• Transports patient to and from Physical Therapy Department.
• Prepares the patient and necessary equipment for the prescribed Physical Therapy treatment.
• Ensures that the treatment area is clean and uncluttered prior to taking patient to treatment area.
• Assists patient with positioning.
• Educates patient on Physical Therapist’s daily plan.

 3. Performs modalities and procedures for which the technician is trained, performed under direct supervision of the therapist, and with regards to time duration, frequency and dosage as determined by the therapist.

• Provides/monitors therapeutic modalities as prescribed in the physical therapist’s plan of care.
• Assists Physical Therapists in selected procedures per request as trained.

4. Performs and maintains documentation.

• Documents accurate and ongoing assessment of patient status that reflects physical therapy interventions, patient responses, physical therapist assistant’s assessment and ongoing plan on a daily basis.
• Completes all documentation and submits billing in a timely manner.

5. Communicates effectively.

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, physical therapy plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
• Follows approved shift report format when communicating patient information.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action.  Appropriately reports condition changes to medical provider.

6. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.

• Administers medications, treatments and procedures in a timely and safe manner according to physician orders and physical therapy policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, using two patient identifiers, and performing patient risk assessments every shift.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Uses National Patient Safety Goals (for critical access hospitals) to ensure patient safety.
• Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand washing and gloves.

7. Performs other duties as assigned.