Physical Medicine Aide

Job Description

Performs non-technical duties; assists therapists in positioning, lifting, transferring, transporting and treating patients;

maintains equipment and facilities. Prepares patients for physical therapy and occupational therapy treatment under the direction of a licensed therapist.

Responsibilities

• TECHNICAL TASKS Maintains work area in neat and orderly manner. (cleans equipment; change linen, treatment tables after each patient use;
• cleans hydrotherapy equipment prior to and following patient treatment according to infection control guidelines; empties laundry;

cleans hydrocollator and paraffin bath as necessary; mops water spills; disposes of trash separating contaminated waste from regular trash as prescribed by OSHA and hospital policy) Operates equipment and performs job duties in a safe manner Performs safe and correct transfer with each patient Assists in getting hydro patients in and out of woundcare, respecting the patients privacy and modesty Assists therapists and assistants with ambulating patients safely using gait belt and proper assistive devices as instructed Monitors patients on equipment, motivating them to properly carry out treatment program as assigned by therapist or assistant.

Sets up and prepares mats and treatment tables with clean linen and exercise equipment as directed by PT, PTA, OT, or COTA.

Returns department equipment to storage after each use (w / c, stretchers, transfer board, weights, walkers, fine motor & perceptual equipment, bolsters, Assists .

in patient treatment and demonstrates competence in : a) securing equipment b) positioning patient for treatment c) carrying out or monitoring portions of .

directed exercises d) ambulation of patients with or without assistive devices e) monitoring HR, BP f) hot pack application g) cold pack application h) performing massage i) performing ultrasound j) wound care assistance / maintaining sterile field k) sets up CPM on patients bed l) ADL training m) fine motor skills n) community outings Assists and demonstrates competence in patient feeding programs as directed by Speech Therapists.

Performs quality control checks on crash cart, refrig. / freezer

CRITICAL THINKING Uses supplies appropriately, demonstrates a cost effective awareness by practicing careful, efficient and non-wasteful use of supplies Demonstrates the ability to perform work in an accurate and timely manner in crisis and emergency situations Knows the importance of reporting any observed change of behavior in a patients condition to appropriate person.

Consistently assesses the special needs of patients in regards to age related changes and alters activities accordingly.

Demonstrates problem solving ability, initiative and good judgement.

• INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS Communicates effectively with therapists and other staff members in exchange of pertinent patient information Knows and uses the designated chain of command to : a) communicate work related concerns / questions b) Present solutions / options for department concerns Willingly performs other duties as requested by supervisor or therapist Shows initiative in assisting coworkers Demonstrates a high level of mental and emotional tolerance and even temperament when dealing with the elderly and confused patients.
• Other duties as assigned Consistently performs 12 organizational Service Standards focused on Values, Service and Quality.

Qualifications

Experience - Previous health care experience required

Education- High School or Equivalent

Training - Successful completion of physical medicine course