Under supervision, performs technical routine patient care duties to pediatric to geriatric patients, administers prescribed physical therapy treatment plans, prepares and cleans areas and equipment. Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient centered care.
Position Responsibilities
Unit Specific Position Responsibilities
Administers prescribed physical therapy treatment plans for assigned patients under supervision of a physical therapist. Measures patients for ambulation devices and teaches ambulation techniques. Wraps and bandages wounds.
Documents related patient care information.
Complies with the Iowa Administrative Rules for Licensure of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants [Chapter 200.6 (6)] ensuring Physical Therapist participation with direct patient contact as follows:
Hospital, Skilled Nursing, and Nursing home settings: a minimum of once per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday)
Outpatient: every 8 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first
Assists in the instructions of volunteers and physical therapy students.
Assists with educational and/or in-service training for patients, medical staff or community groups.
Treats coworkers, customers and patients with respect and dignity and demonstrates PRIDE values in all interactions.
Lifts and transfers patients to and from physical therapy treatments as needed. Cleans patient care areas.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):
Completion of a CAPTE approved Physical Therapist Assistant program or five years of previous physical therapy experience.
Possession of license as a Physical Therapist Assistant issued by the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy.
Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.
Basic Life Support (BLS) training, or within 90 days of hire, and must maintain throughout employment.
Organizational Requirements:
Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
None Specified
Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
Knowledge of physical therapy techniques and treatments; use and operation of therapeutic equipment, ambulation techniques, bandaging techniques; medical record preparation and maintenance.
Ability to perform physical therapy techniques and treatments; prepare and operate therapeutic equipment, instruct the patients, students, and ancillary personnel and prepare medical records.
Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for pediatric to geriatric patients.
Skill in executing physical therapy treatment plans, including the use of good communication techniques and complex problem solving.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Skill in effective oral and written communication in English.
Ability to manipulate and adjust assistive devices and other medical equipment.