Jessica Cevering Unit 14 Assignment PTA 1500 Spring 2017

As I read Chapter 12 in our textbook, I was able to reflect and ponder about those

individuals in my life that I consider a leader. I have noticed similarities between them, which

they all portray. Two traits that I have noticed are confident in their day-to-day decisions and

actions, and an attitude that is intriguing to follow and encourages others. On page 193 of the

textbook, it listed four main leadership categories that PTAs should try and portray: share

modeling desired behaviors with words and actions, encouraging others, being comfortable in

challenging existing processes, and empowering others to act. Becoming and being a leader is a

never-ending conquest and process that one goes through to become better even as an individual.

Upon completing this unit, I realized the importance of PTAs responsibility of a leader in the

Health Care system. The textbook states, a PTA is the primary provider of physical therapy

services within a given treatment session, he is going to be expected to be an effective

communicator, demonstrating confidence and needing minimal direction while delivering timely

and effective interventions. Take ownership of this expectation for leadership performanceby

formally calling it leadership and recognizing the need for developing strong leadership traits,

it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy; people often need to think of themselves a s leaders

before being able to demonstrate leadership abilities to others (pg. 195). To become a leader

one could simply follow the path and footsteps of other leaders.

Another main concept that the lecture notes and textbook touched on was goal setting.

According to the lecture notes, goals provide direction in ones life and acts to measure ones

successes. As a future PTA, it is important to set goals and work towards them with patients.

Setting goals can either be effective or not effective at all, depending on the types of goals set
and the work put into achieving them. The acronym S.M.A.R.T is used as an outline when

making goals. It stands for: Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Reachable, and on a Timetable.

Goals that are too broad and not specific, patients and a PTA may simply overload the goal

importance. Having a goal be measurable, reachable, and with a deadline allows for the patient to

be accountable to the PTA. Goal setting will also help the PTA-patient relationship. When goals

are set and a plan is laid out, motivation to achieve them will occur. Motivation is sometimes

difficult for both the PTAs and the patients to have. Seeing the bigger picture and the goals that

are set in place gives patients and the PTAs motivation to keep moving forward. Goals and

motivation go hand in hand.

As I hear and learn how advanced and ever changing the medical field is, I am realizing

how important it is to continue my education in the Physical Therapy world. Having a goal to be

the best PTA that I can, will include my continuation of my education. Reminding myself to set

and have goals will not only benefit me as an individual, but also my patients I will be in contact

with and the leader that I hope to become.