About this role
1. Evaluates, plans and administers treatment to patients in accordance with the healthcare provider order, and accepted standards of professional practice.
* Establishes a system to provide timely and accurate rehabilitation assessment. * Conducts a thorough evaluation according to referral script. * Utilizes evaluation skills to assist in determining an accurate diagnosis and plan of care. * Provides evidence-based treatment services to restore, maintain or improve patient functions including gait training, strengthening, etc. * Develops treatment plan in collaboration with patient, family support systems and members of healthcare team. * Evaluates patient’s treatment goals for needed changes according to patient condition. * Performs therapy treatment and modality procedures ethically per APTA and clinic guidelines. * Re-evaluates patient on a regular basis and adjust treatment accordingly using subjective and objective information. * Utilizes space and equipment in cooperation with other staff. * Integrates both manual and non-manual therapy skills in treatment of patients where indicated.
2. Evaluates treatment efficacy and patient progress and makes any necessary adjustments in the care plan to optimize patient care.
* Complete treatment plan to meet regulatory guidelines. * Incorporates plans for discharge in treatment plan in collaboration with patient and support system. * Educates family and/or support system to functional needs and equipment/resources to meet these needs. * Utilizes outcome measurements to objectively assess effectiveness of treatment interventions. * Evaluates patient’s treatment goals and adjusts plan of care according to patient condition.
3. Performs and maintains documentation.
* Documents accurate and ongoing assessments of patient status in a timely manner that reflect physical therapy interventions, patient responses, patient teaching and status of outcomes at discharge. * Completes accurate reporting of billing in a timely manner.
4. 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. * Promotes and maintains positive inter- and intra- departmental communications. * 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.
5. 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 hospital 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.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.