Denise Gerard
Manchester
Summary
Skilled Physical Therapist Assistant with expertise in patient assessments, treatment planning, and client education. Specializes in implementing therapy plans and supporting patients through exercise routines and therapeutic techniques. Known for enhancing patient mobility and pain management via collaboration with healthcare teams. Strong interpersonal skills foster motivation and effective communication during rehabilitation.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Therapist Assistant
Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center
Brick
1995.09 - Current
- Assisted physical therapists in developing patient treatment plans.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to deliver integrated and patient-centered care.
- Monitored patient progress during therapy sessions.
- Prepared treatment areas and maintained equipment cleanliness.
- Supported patients with mobility and daily activities during therapy.
- Educated patients and family members about proper exercise techniques, safety measures, and injury prevention strategies.
- Developed home exercise programs to enhance patient adherence to therapeutic plans.
- Treated patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function and maintain maximum performance.
- Monitored patients during treatments to ensure safe execution of exercises and optimal recovery.
- Maintained positive interaction with facilities and clients, enhancing client relations.
- Observed patients closely for any changes in symptoms or behavior that may require further evaluation or intervention by the Physical Therapist.
- Worked with physical therapist and other disciplines to provide adaptive equipment for improving patient function.
- Evaluated patients' range of motion, balance, strength, and coordination through tests and measurements.
- Assisted with therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation when appropriate for the patient's condition.
- Administered simple range of motion exercises.
- Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, pathology, neurology and other related topics pertinent to physical therapy practice.
- Provided physical therapy treatments to patients as directed by the Physical Therapist.
- Studied treatment plans and adjusted exercises periodically to maximize benefits.
- Assisted in developing individualized treatment plans for each patient based on their needs.
- Provided emotional support to help motivate a patient throughout his and her rehabilitation process.
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and updating medical records.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress including notes from sessions and outcomes achieved during treatment.
- Prepared treatment areas with necessary equipment and supplies prior to patient's arrival.
- Liaised with physical therapist to deliver appropriate therapy according to care plan.
- Encouraged active participation in self-care activities at home between visits which included stretching exercises or light walking routines.
- Enhanced professional development and clinical knowledge through continuing education and peer reviewed literature.
- Answered patient questions promptly through email, phone and in person.
- Instructed patients on how to use assistive devices such as canes, crutches, walkers.
- Described therapeutic regimens to promote wellness and health maintenance.
- Protected confidential documents to prevent unauthorized access.
- Actively participated in continuing education courses relevant to physical therapy practice.
- Adhered to infection-control policies and protocols to attain safe and clean working environment.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving injured or ill patients requiring immediate assistance.
- Adhered to safety protocols to prevent patient injuries during therapy sessions.
- Educated patients and families on exercises and home care techniques for continued care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex conditions.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions to improve patients' functional abilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress notes and treatment plans.
- Participated in patient discharge planning and provided recommendations for outpatient or home health follow-up care.
- Conducted therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques under the supervision of a physical therapist.
- Applied modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and hot and cold packs as directed.
- Facilitated patient mobility through gait and transfer training exercises.
- Managed scheduling and billing tasks related to patient care.
- Assisted in the use of assistive devices and prosthetic training for patients.
- Documented patient progress, treatments, and data in charts.
- Communicated with other physical therapy staff to discuss patient progress and potentially modify treatment.
- Provided head physical therapist with initial thoughts and potential diagnoses for new patients.
- Instructed patients on how to use, remove and put on external assistive devices.
- Administered therapy treatments to patients using hands or therapeutic devices.
- Answered questions from patients about proper form when performing exercise routines at home.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - PTA
Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, NJ1995-05
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Treatment planning
- Treatment implementation
- Treatment planning assistance
- Patient documentation
- Progress monitoring
- Progress reports
- Client education
- Therapeutic exercise
- Therapeutic exercises
- Physical therapy modalities
- Functional mobility training
- Gait analysis
- Joint mobilization
- Range of motion exercises
- Muscle re-education
- Neuromuscular Re-education
- Endurance training
- Flexibility improvement
- Strengthening
- Strength training
- Balance assessment
- Body mechanics
- Body mechanics instruction
- Joint protection
- Emergency response
- Safety management
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Aquatic therapy
- Hydrotherapy techniques
- Electrotherapy application
- Ultrasound therapy
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Prosthetic training
- Therapeutic equipment
- Therapy equipment setup
- Sports injury management
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Geriatric physical therapy
- Movement restoration
- Gait training
- Self-care instructions
- Adaptive equipment training
- Caregiver training
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Movement restoration
- Gait training
- Team collaboration
- Therapy equipment setup
Timeline
Physical Therapist Assistant
Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center
1995.09 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - PTA
Atlantic Cape Community College