NATASHA KAZMIERCZAK

• Predominant locations: inpatient rehabilitation, geriatric evaluation and management, as well as acute orthopaedics, neurology and general medicine.
• Demonstrated flexibility and a team-based mentality by working with multiple dynamic, complex caseloads daily

• Grade 2 equivalent Physiotherapy cover for teams with planned or unplanned staff absences
• Worked in Stroke Rehabilitation and Acute Medical wards
• Delivered daily neurological rehabilitation combining evidence-based principles of Bobath practice with a high repetition approach
• Demonstrated innovative practice by initiating and designing exercise groups for high and low acuity stroke patients, including high repetition upper limb therapy
• Formal and informal supervision of Grade 1 equivalent Physiotherapists, as well as Physiotherapy students and assistants
• Overnight on-call Physiotherapist, managing acute and deteriorating respiratory patients

• Sole Physiotherapist in a newly formed multidisciplinary team designed to expedite orthopaedic discharges from acute or subacute settings into the community
• This role required independent caseload management, as well as close supervision of junior and unqualified team members in the community environment
• Demonstrated leadership skills, time management and resourcefulness by proactively initiating and developing an inservice program. This was designed to upskill unqualified staff to teach exercise programs to patients following prescription by the Physiotherapist
• Played a lead role in service and referral triaging, which required close consultation with the acute and community multidisciplinary team
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations in an international health system

Previous Rotations:

1. Subacute Neurological Rehabilitation at Caulfield Hospital

• Subacute inpatient neurology and stroke population: including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries
• Honed neurological manual handling skills, prescription of manual/electric wheelchairs and seating for postural management

2. Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation at Caulfield Hospital

• Subacute assessment and treatment of acquired brain injury - including traumatic brain injuries, disorders of consciousness, arteriovenous malformation ruptures and hypoxic brain injuries for individuals aged 18+
• Demonstrated ability to act as key liaison person to facilitate person-centred, complex discharges
• Worked in a dynamic multidisciplinary team, collaborating to manage spasticity and goal-setting in liaison with the patient

3. Community Rehabilitation

• Adapted assessment and treatment skills for diverse populations in home and centre-based environments
• Preferenced neurological rehabilitation where able, working with stroke, spinal cord injuries, progressive neurological conditions and vestibular impairments

4. Subacute Geriatric Evaluation and Management

• Assessment and management of a culturally and linguistically diverse geriatric populations with a variety of comorbidities
• Developed an interest in working with the geriatric population, particularly in prioritising quality of life

5. Acute Leave Reliever

6. Acute Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

7. Acute and Outpatient Cystic Fibrosis