What makes UW Health Rehab Hospital a great place to work? Our PEOPLE, of course!

We answer the call because we have a fundamental need to help people. In return, we get to work in an environment with leaders who strive to optimize job effectiveness, assure positive experiences and job satisfaction.

Your career growth begins when you join an interdisciplinary team, where doctors, nurses, therapists and other experts work together to form individualized care plans for our patients. Opportunities through our continuing education programs, apprenticeship programs, and tuition reimbursement programs, not only allow for continual career growth but emphasize our commitment to investing in our employees and developing future healthcare leaders.

UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital is a free-standing, 50-bed acute inpatient rehabilitation facility located on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin. Our hospital offers specialized rehab programs for people who have experienced stroke, brain and spinal-cord injuries, amputations, complex orthopedic injuries and many other conditions. We create individualized plans of care that address both intense rehab and acute medical needs. Our goal is to help patients achieve their highest level of function and return home as soon as possible. The UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital is a partnership between UW Health, Unity Point-Meriter and Kindred Healthcare.

Why work at UW Health Rehab Hospital? Be part of a team recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Rehabilitation Centers dedicated to patient hope, healing, and recovery.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapy Assistant functions under the direct supervision of the Physical Therapist and as directed by a licensed physician, is responsible for a specific patient's care. The PTA assumes responsibility and accountability for providing physical therapy modalities and treatment procedures as determined by a treatment plan established by a Physical Therapist in order to restore function and prevent disability following patient illness or injury. The PTA carries out these responsibilities in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies while maintaining the highest degree of quality patient care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Under guidance of supervising PT: Acquires pertinent information and implements comprehensive program using varied techniques and treatment activities; reviews and modifies treatment in response to changing patient needs; identifies equipment and discharge needs.
• Assists the patient in the preparation for treatment/modality as necessary.

• Provides treatment to diverse diagnostic populations and completes supporting documentation according to hospital policy and State Practice Act.
• Communicates/collaborates with support personnel regarding treatment orders as directed by the supervising PT.
• Applies the physical agents, therapeutic exercises or gait-training activates as outlined by the licensed PT, in the patient POC. Progresses patients in an appropriate manner when deemed necessary by the PT.
• Observes treatment affect, accomplishment of short and long term goals and recommends change to the supervising PT, if needed.
• Complies with department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines with respect to ethics, legal issues and supervisory relationships. Demonstrates professional accountability per APTA Physical Therapy Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Completes timely and accurate documentation, including QI scoring, of patient treatment in the patient medical record as indicated
• Assesses patient pain interfering with optimal level of function of participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate interventions to reduce pain after consulting with supervising OTR/L and makes appropriate physician contact as indicated.
• When necessary, instructs care giver/family members in home exercise program as related to the patient's functional and ambulatory status: discusses necessary equipment for the home situation.
• Protects patient confidentiality in regard to medical, emotional, and social status.
• Keeps the supervising therapist informed of patient's status, problem areas, progress, etc.
• Perceives the existence of problems and notifies supervising therapist for implementation of safe, effective and timely solutions.
• Demonstrates appropriate safety measures when implementing treatment programs.
• Provides input/suggestions for the physical functioning of the department in the areas of equipment management, space utilization, storage, etc.
• Records daily charges within day of treatment
• Assists in preparation/maintenance of daily treatment schedule.
• Writes progress notes in accordance with departmental policy.
• Develops home programs and instructs patients in the programs as delegated by the supervising physical therapist.
• Provides written and updated treatment/coverage programs for days off.
• Performs discharge planning under the direct supervision of the PT (prescriptions, equipment requests, and referrals).
• Reports on patient's status at team and family conferences when necessary. (Team conferences should be attended by the supervising PT and with the PTA in attendance.)
• Assists in program development and preparation to meet regulatory agency standards i.e. Joint Commission, CARF.
• Observes, measures and records the cardiovascular responses of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• Plans and presents educational programs for department; hospital and/or community.

• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Previous experience in the care of patients preferred.
• Current BLS/CPR.