Under the direction of the Chief Clinical Officer and the clinical supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapist Assistant at Phoenix Specialty Hospital provides physical therapy treatment to patients in accordance with the Plan of Care established by the supervising Physical Therapist, the Arizona Physical Therapy Practice Act (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 19), Arizona Board of Physical Therapy rules (Arizona Administrative Code Title 4, Chapter 24), Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 10 (Health Care Institutions: Licensing), CMS Conditions of Participation, The Joint Commission standards, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
This position provides direct patient care to adult and geriatric populations, carrying out selected therapeutic interventions to restore strength, coordination, balance, and mobility, reduce pain, and improve function. The Physical Therapist Assistant observes and reports patient responses to the supervising Physical Therapist, documents treatment and progress, educates patients and families, and participates in quality improvement and departmental initiatives.
Must be able to perform in all patient care and operational areas, with or without reasonable accommodation, and use all mandatory safety devices, procedures, and required Personal Protective Equipment. Must also participate in the Respiratory Protection Program, which may include wearing a respirator.
- Reviews patient information and the Plan of Care established by the supervising Physical Therapist prior to initiating treatment.
- Performs therapy treatment as delegated by the supervising Physical Therapist in a timely manner, including therapeutic exercise, gait and transfer training, functional mobility, and physical agents, in accordance with the Plan of Care and established hospital guidelines.
- Monitors patient status and response to treatment, modifies interventions within the established Plan of Care, and reports changes in patient condition to the supervising Physical Therapist.
- Recognizes when an intervention should not be provided or should be discontinued due to a change in patient status, and communicates promptly with the supervising Physical Therapist.
- Documents treatment sessions, patient responses, and progress in the patient medical record in accordance with hospital and regulatory guidelines.
- Meets established departmental productivity standards for the position.
- Practices within the scope of a Physical Therapist Assistant and in accordance with Arizona Board of Physical Therapy supervision requirements; does not perform evaluations, re-evaluations, or discharge evaluations, or establish or change the Plan of Care.
- Communicates with the supervising Physical Therapist, physicians, nursing staff, patients, and families regarding patient progress, problems, and discharge needs.
- Orients patients to treatment procedures appropriate to their age and needs, and informs patients of any potential risks.
- Instructs patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs, safe mobility, and the use of assistive devices and equipment as established by the Physical Therapist.
- Participates in interdisciplinary care planning, patient care conferences, and discharge planning as requested.
- Directs and assists Rehab Aides and support staff during patient treatment as appropriate.
- Assists with clinical instruction of Physical Therapist Assistant students as requested.
- Completes all annual mandatory training, competency validation, and certification requirements, and maintains current certification and credentials without lapse.
- Pursues continuing education appropriate to the discipline and responsibilities, including continuing competence required for certificate renewal in Arizona.
- Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), infection prevention, and patient safety activities; works safely, uses supplies and equipment cost-effectively, and promptly reports hazards and on-the-job injuries.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and organized treatment area and ensures therapy equipment is in good working order, reporting any malfunctions promptly.
- Adheres to all Phoenix Specialty Hospital policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, safety rules, The Joint Commission standards, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) health care institution licensing rules, CMS Conditions of Participation, HIPAA, and the requirements of any other regulatory agency.
- Works collaboratively with all departments, demonstrates flexibility with changes in census, staffing, and scheduling, and provides service excellence to patients, families, and fellow staff.
- Demonstrates, supports, and models the mission, vision, values, and code of conduct of Phoenix Specialty Hospital.
Qualifications
Education:
- Graduate of a Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Affiliation with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) encouraged
Experience:
- Experience in acute care or inpatient settings preferred
Licenses/Certificates:
- Current and valid Arizona Physical Therapist Assistant certificate issued by the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy, or a valid PT Compact privilege to practice in Arizona
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA)
Skills:
- Strong clinical, organizational, and communication skills