VALUES & PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY
Therapy Assistant
A Therapy Assistant (TA) working in Canada can look like many different things as the role is growing and becoming optimized in a variety of settings and disciplines.
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In my past experience, I have worked under the supervision of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Recreational Therapists. I have worked in a variety of settings including long term care, cancer care hospital outpatient clinic, private clinic, and currently home care.
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In Canada, Therapy Assistants are unregulated Health Professionals.
Role
As a Therapy Assistant (TA), I am responsible for assisting in the delivery of therapeutic rehabilitation under the direction of a Therapist in accordance with established practices and procedures. The following descriptions reflect my role as a TA with Alberta Health Services.
4 Key Roles:
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Service Provider – assist the therapist with direct and indirect client care towards goal-oriented rehabilitation services.
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Collaborator –work effectively with ongoing communication with inter-disciplinary care team to optimize service delivery.
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Life Long Learner – enhances competency and service through reflective practice and continuous learning. Pursues ongoing skill development, critical thinking, and innovation.
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Paraprofessional - applies professionalism and ethics to the provision of client-centered care and participates in care team service delivery.
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Values
In my practice, I adhere to the values of Alberta Health Services:
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Compassion: show kindness and empathy for all
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Accountability: demonstrate honesty, principles, and transparency
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Respect: treat others with respect and dignity
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Excellence: strive to be my best and give my best
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Safety: place safety and quality improvement at the center of all my decisions
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My organizations values align with my own and allow me to provide professional care in a meaningful way. I value building relationships without judgement and leading with kindness.
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Identity
As a Therapy Assistant working closely with the disciplines of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. I am a creative problem-solver who enjoys working independently as well as collaborating on a team. I have a positive, engaging attitude and I continually try to inspire positive change.
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I have become confident and resourceful in my role, often providing mentorship to students and new staff. I am accountable to my team and act with integrity.
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Experience in the healthcare field has fueled my drive to advocate for clients' health and to further promote healthy aging. I seek to motivate and inspire positive change in the lives of the clients and families I am privileged to work with.
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