Per Diem PTA Physical Therapist Assistant Outpatient

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the registered physical therapist, administers therapeutic modalities with the use of specialized equipment; instructs the patient and supervises established therapeutic exercise, functional activities, and fits and instructs patients in the use of orthopedic appliances.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Patient Health Care. Instruct patients on general health and basic self care procedures. Review, explain and clarity physician orders with patient or parent. Instruct patients in use of home equipment. Apply orthopedic appliances. Apply and remove dressings. Follow standard infection control procedures. Initiate emergency procedures (including CPR) and provide emergency patient treatment. Lift patients. Monitor patient vital signs. Monitor patients for bleeding. Observe machine monitors. Prepare and position patients for procedures. Provide therapeutic patient care as prescribed by a physician. Observe and monitor patient condition for reactions during and after procedures. Observe patients using remote monitoring equipment. Visit assigned patients to observe and record symptoms. Perform geometric measures and gross muscle testing. Anesthetize patients with topical or aerosol medication. Adjust physical therapy treatments as conditions warrant. Administer physical therapy modalities. Assist patients with ambulation and exercises. Conduct group exercise classes. Evaluate patient response to physical therapy. Instruct patients in routine and complex physical therapy exercises. Interpret and administer prescribed physical therapy treatment. Perform basic physical therapy. Records and Patient Information. Interview patients to collect data. Review patient record for medical information. Fill out maintenance forms. Complete patient processing forms (such as CPRs). Record and chart patient data. Take patient medical and prescription history. Review patient charts to evaluate patients and identify significant conditions. Complete forms and records. Consult with physician concerning test results and alert physicians to test abnormalities. Issue report on findings. Perform accurate measurements and calculations on diagnostic test procedures. Maintain current records of all testing. Record and maintain patient treatment data, log of procedures, and records of equipment usage. Prepare periodic workload statistics. Collect and compile cumulative data and statistics.
• Equipment and Instruments. Ensure equipment is available for procedures and examinations. Set up orthopedic, cervical or pelvic traction. Stock/restock treatment/procedure rooms. Rinse and clean instrument and equipment. Arrange for equipment repair. Maintain clean work area. Prepare procedure and exam rooms. Restock operating, procedure, cast and examination rooms. Select and set out appropriate tubings and sterile supplies. Set up instruments and surgical trays. Deliver and return equipment. Soak instruments. Clean and sterilize instruments, supplies and equipment. Clean, lubricate and perform routine preventive maintenance. Inspect equipment and instruments for damage. Maintain equipment in good working order. Perform minor adjustments and/or repairs on equipment. Materials and Supplies. Order supplies. Dispose of expendable medical supplies. Administrative and Other. Participate in developing and conducting in-service programs and patient care classes. Demonstrate safety procedures. Coordinate and monitor activities within the unit. Participate in training physical therapy students. Train and orient new or less experienced personnel. Maintain current licensure/certificates. Answer call lights. Answer telephones and take messages. Locate personnel by paging system or beeper. Provide functional direction to assigned staff. Attend conferences, meetings and in-service training programs. Serve as resource person to co-workers by answering procedural questions and assisting in problem solving. Conduct in service training. Maintain proficiency in clinical skills. Patient Procedures and Activities. Explain test procedures and purpose. Assemble patient education materials. Demonstrate equipment for patient. Instruct patients in care and maintenance of equipment. Assist provider in patient examinations and procedures. Consult with provider concerning procedures and patient condition. Follow standard infection control procedures. Lift patients. Observe, monitor and evaluate patient condition during and after procedures. Take, record and monitor patient vital signs. Transport patients to/from procedure area. Apply, remove and adjust orthopedic devices (for example, splints, bandages, slings). Fit patient with orthopedic devices. Other Activities and Responsibilities. Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.