Nicole Kusters
Silver Lake
Summary
Professional, experienced healthcare assistant equipped to support physical therapy. Strong background in patient care, therapeutic exercise programs, and rehabilitation techniques. Excellent team collaborator with consistent focus on achieving optimal patient outcomes and adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in therapeutic interventions, patient communication, and documentation. Reliable and driven to contribute positively to patient recovery and wellness.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Therapist Assistant
Advocate Aurora Health Care
03.2021 - Current
- Educated patients on exercise programs and rehabilitation strategies.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment techniques accordingly.
- Maintained detailed records of patient treatments and outcomes.
- Trained new staff on proper handling and therapeutic techniques.
- Contributed to team meetings, sharing insights for process improvements.
- Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
- Developed effective communication skills while working with diverse populations of patients presenting various conditions such as neurological disorders or orthopedic issues.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient interventions, progress notes, and billing information in electronic medical records.
- Collaborated with physical therapists to optimize treatment effectiveness.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Athletico
01.2016 - 03.2021
- Educated patients on proper body mechanics, posture correction, and home exercise routines to prevent future injuries.
- Increased patient compliance with home exercise programs by providing clear instructions, demonstrations, and printed materials for reference.
- Assisted in reducing patient pain levels through targeted massage therapy, heat/cold treatments, and electrical stimulation.
- Assisted athletes in their return to sport activities through sport-specific training programs targeting agility, endurance, power, speed development.
- Communicated with physicians to provide updates on patient care.
- Contributed to overall clinic efficiency by assisting with equipment setup, inventory management, and patient scheduling as needed.
Physical Therapist Assistant
MJ Care
01.2006 - 12.2015
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care and support.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems for improved efficiency.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings for better coordination of care among healthcare professionals involved in the patients'' recovery process.
- Supported optimal patient care by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment.
- Provided compassionate care for geriatric patients in skilled nursing facilities, focusing on improving strength, balance, and overall quality of life.
- Implemented patient safety protocols and infection control practices for hygienic, compliant care.
- Enhanced patient rehabilitation outcomes by closely monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations and standards, maintaining clinic's reputation for quality care.
- Coordinated with insurance companies to secure patient coverage for necessary treatments, easing financial burden on patients.
- Implemented new therapy technologies and methods, staying at forefront of physical therapy practices.
- Streamlined clinic operations by managing therapy equipment and supplies, ensuring readiness for patient sessions.
- Participated in community outreach programs to promote health and wellness, extending clinic's impact beyond its walls.
- Facilitated patient and family education and training on assistive device and adaptive equipment uses.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Ridgewood Care Center
10.2001 - 01.2006
- Adapted exercises to suit varied ages and abilities for personalized patient care.
- Developed strong patient rapport and trust through empathetic listening and consistent encouragement during the rehabilitation process.
- Improved patient mobility using passive and active therapeutic exercises.
- Selected modalities tailored to patient needs such as hot and cold packs, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
- Provided support for patients during therapeutic group activities, fostering a positive and collaborative environment conducive to healing.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Administration
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN11-2025
Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI05-2001
Skills
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Geriatric physical therapy
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Functional mobility training
- Orthopedics
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Customer service
- Proficient in Epic
- Communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
- Patient-focused therapy
Certification
- Physical Therapist Assistant License - 2004-current
- Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Advocate Aurora - 2024-current
Timeline
Physical Therapist Assistant
Advocate Aurora Health Care
03.2021 - Current
Physical Therapist Assistant
Athletico
01.2016 - 03.2021
Physical Therapist Assistant
MJ Care
01.2006 - 12.2015
Physical Therapist Assistant
Ridgewood Care Center
10.2001 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Health Administration
American College of Education
Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Gateway Technical College
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