Northeastern Co-Op Physical Therapy Aide - Inpatient Rehab

Job Description Summary

Assists with patient care activities and provides treatment to assigned patients as appropriate under the direct supervision of licensed clinical staff.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Patient Care:

Within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, based on State Regulation,

• The services performed by the Allied Health cooperative education student (rehab aide) during the work experience must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist. 

• The services performed by the Physical Therapy cooperative education student during the work experience are commensurate with their level of education and training and must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. 

Direct supervision is defined as a process by which a supervisor is on the premises and available to provide supervision in the form of aid, direction, and instruction when procedures or activities are performed.

Rehab Aide job duties include:

Supports licensed staff

• Assist with patient care activities as appropriate under the direct supervision of clinical staff including but not limited to:

• Screening for early mobility
• Measure patients for an assistive ambulation device and demonstrate skill in ambulation instruction
• Providing durable medical equipment and paperwork 
• Patient room/treatment area set ups for treatment
• Set up patients on exercise equipment
• Activities related to video fluoroscopic swallow studies
• Providing second person assist 
• Take vital signs and respond appropriately to findings.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the instruction of therapeutic exercise under the direction and supervision of a licensed therapist.
• Perform safe transfers and demonstrate correct body mechanics with all activities.
• Describe safety procedures needed when working with patients with cognitive, sensory, perceptual deficits and medical precautions.
• Maintains departmental flow 

• Additionally, the Physical therapy Co-Op student may

• Safely use modalities and any manual techniques that are commensurate with their level of education within the PT program at the time of the coop experience. 

Environment and Department Maintenance/Infection Control

• Assists in the maintenance of the department’s overall physical environment
• Maintains practices according to infection control guidelines for the department
• Monitors pool chemistry per departmental guidelines as applicable to area
• Cleans equipment per departmental guidelines
• Performs and documents quality control of identified equipment
• Documents temperature checks of identified equipment
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly departmental checklists
• Maintains organization and cleanliness of the DME and supply closets

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Clerical Duties

• Performs clerical duties to assist with daily operations of the department including:
  • Scheduling appointments as applicable to area
  • Answering phones
  • Calling patients as directed
  • Inventory management
  • Photocopying and filing
  • Faxing
  • Data collection
  • Daily departmental checklists

Communication

• Communicates effectively with staff, peers, colleagues, patients, and family members
• Alerts manager/clinician to any immediate departmental/patient issues
• Appropriately uses all forms of South Shore Health communication in accordance with standard practices
• Responds in a timely manner when feedback is requested
• Recognize ethical issues and situations that require the student to problem solve and respond appropriately by informing the direct supervisor at the site. If this report does not result in appropriate action, the student must report the situation to the NU Co-op Coordinator.

Educational Activities

• Serves as mentor to new rehabilitation aide staff
• Actively participates in department projects/events/activities
• Actively promotes rehabilitation services to frontline colleagues, patients, and families
• Serves as ambassador for department to visitors (tours/observation of patient care)
• Assists with continuous Quality Improvement activities, as directed
• Takes responsibility for continuing professional development education

Technology and Learning

• Possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization
• Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently
• Accurately uses all software applications as needed for job performance

Professional Behaviors

• Maintain a professional and appropriate manner of conversation
• Maintain composure during stressful situations
• Complete clinical and non-clinical tasks as well as assigned activities according to policies, practice guidelines and assigned deadlines
• Utilize critical thinking and problem solving in day to day operations as well as in emergent situations
• Communicate appropriately and effectively following chain of command
• Demonstrate dependability and flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department

Non-Essential Functions

• Demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the developmental needs of the department and hospital
• Performs other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

• Enrolled in and in good academic standing in an undergraduate or graduate degree program with intention to apply to an accredited Allied Health related program OR
• Enrolled in and in good academic standing within an accredited Physical Therapy program