The Physical Therapy Assistant position reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- A licensed physical therapist assistant who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by their professional organization and by the State of Illinois.
- This position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement.
- Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of professional, clinical, communication, education and leadership activities.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
- Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
- Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions to help patients and customers with finding their way.
- Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
- Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
- Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
- Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
- Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
- Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
- Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidence by team feedback and documentation.
- Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate treatment modalities, equipment and protocols. Evidenced by chart review.
- Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all JCAHO documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
- Demonstrates essential skill competencies in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols. Adjusting the treatment plan accordingly and under the supervision of a licensed PT, evidenced by chart review.
- Collaborates with PT to manage the course of PT from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety, and treatment outcomes as evidenced by documentation and team feedback.
- Adheres to department policy regarding documentation. All notes are entered into the electronic medical record.
- Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
- Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback.
- Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
- Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (ex: physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations.
- Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
- Accepts constructive feedback and can make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback.
- Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay forms, and follow up phone calls).
- Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g., in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI) as per department expectations.
- Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department expectations
- Maintains productivity standards per department expectations
- Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings outside of normal work hours