Rehabilitation Assistant – Nursing, OT, PT - Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH)

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, the Rehabilitation Assistant works under the direction of a professional nurse (Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Physiotherapist and / or Occupational Therapist in cooperation with the interprofessional care team, and following established care plans and person-centered care.

The Rehabilitation Assistant implements treatment plans under an assignment of task by PT or OT, or under the direction of nursing, and assists in monitoring patient progress through observation and reporting to appropriate team member.

Responsibilities Carries out designated components of a rehabilitative treatment plan under an assignment of task by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, such as activities of daily living, mobility, and strengthening and balancing exercises.

Carries out designated components of the treatment plan related to mobility under the direction of nursing Observes and reports to appropriate team member cognitive and functional changes in patient ability or behaviour that may warrant a progression or regression of the treatment plan;

progresses treatment plan within the parameters established by the nurse or therapist; documents for the health record according to established procedures.

As part of a multidisciplinary team and in consultation with the nurse and / or therapist, provides input into the planning, implementation, modification, and evaluation of the treatment plan.

Performs various tests as assigned by PT or OT such as Berg Balance, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and six-minute walk test. Records and reports relevant data for interpretation by the therapist.

Prepares and applies therapeutic treatment modalities as assigned by PT or OT such as transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), hot packs, ice, and wax treatments.

Provides functional skills training to patients and families in activities of daily living, mobility and communication; demonstrates the use of assistive devices as assigned by PT or OT.

Assists with power and manual wheelchair mobility training. Provides training to patients and families in mobility and demonstrates the use of assistive devices directed by nursing Assists PT or OT in the fabrication and modifications of splints, seating and exercise devices, mobility and assistive devices.

Sets up and adapts equipment such as changing wheelchair backs and adjusting wheelchair height. Maintains therapy equipment and supplies by methods such as cleaning equipment and maintaining inventories;

provides input regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies, general maintenance and repair of equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education and Experience Completion of a Rehabilitation Assistant Program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to deal with others effectively.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to organize work. Ability to operate related equipment.