Exercise Physiologist

The Exercise Physiologist provides direct and indirect care to patients participating in all phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Exercise Physiologist assists in the evaluation planning coordinating and implementing of exercise therapy and education programs to limit adverse physiological and psychological effects of illness. This includes constant monitoring of the patients vitals during exercise (BP heart rhythms/EKGs and overall response to exercise) and proper adjustments including urgent or emergency response/referral.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performed majority of the time:

Evaluates and establishes plan of care based on PMI diagnosis and presentation through obtaining medical history taking initial vitals and EKG discuss diet and create plan of care.

Performs direct patient care by monitoring vitals electrocardiogram and at times blood sugars.

Recognizes changes symptoms and other problems related to participants condition and determines appropriate interventions. This includes responding to urgent situations.

Develops exercise prescriptions and programs that include flexibility strength training and CV exercise.

Formulates a teaching plan that includes prevention disease process medication compliance smoking cessation dietary practices physical activity CV risks and other needs.

Prepares curriculums for presentation in groups and individually. Evaluates correct form and instructs participants in proper exercise techniques. Education on policies and procedures.

Maintains a safe clean environment monitors orders and stocks exercise equipment and supplies.

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

Performs Special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Education:

Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science Kinesiology or related field

Preferred

Masters degree in Exercise and Sports Science Kinesiology or related field

Experience:

N/A

Preferred

Completion of cardiovascular rehabilitation internship and/or 6 months of clinical experience in cardiovascular rehabilitation

Licenses Certifications and/or Registrations:

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS required within 90 days of hire.

If not American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS certified upon hire must have current BLS certification through another provider.

Preferred

ACSM- Clinical Exercise physiologist

AACVPR-Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional

AARC/AACVPR Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Well Coaches Wellness Coach

Job Related Skills Abilities and Behaviors:

Demonstrate ability to recognize abnormal EKG rhythms including arrhythmia recognition.

Demonstrate effective client assessment skills.

Knowledgeable in exercise prescription and exercise testing.

Uses effective written and verbal communication skills.

Practices effective interpersonal skills.

Utilizes problem solving & process making decisions related to client care and unit activity.

Demonstrates competency in using exercise equipment.

Demonstrates knowledge of the equipment used in the cardiac rehabilitation department including EKG monitor oximetry and glucometer.

Performs efficiently in emergency client situations following established procedures.

Demonstrates confidentiality according to PHI regarding patient and co-worker information.

Demonstrates an awareness of safety measures. Promotes accident prevention and reports potential hazards to maintain a safe environment.

Demonstrates self-directed learning and participation in continuing education.

Functions as a client advocate.

Adapts to change in the work environment in a professional manner e.g. scheduling staffing delays emergencies and product utilization.

Maintains professional manner in dress and speech.

Demonstrates ability to work in a team situation.

Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity of client and/or significant others rights.

Utilize a team approach and RN such as medical director and patients physician care team as resources for problem solving.

Collaborates with coworkers for the benefit of the client and department.

Utilizes problem-solving methods to resolve conflicts complaints or concerns.

Understands the physiological changes of an exercising client on their disease states.

Identifies the indicators for moderation or termination of exercise.

Investigates ways to improve customer services utilizing feedback from customers (i.e. clients family coworkers other departments etc.)

Prioritizes client care based on client needs; handles unexpected changes in client status and sets priorities appropriately.

Recognizes clients learning needs and teaches client to promote self-care.

Uses cost-effective measure in the delivery of client care.

Utilizes age-appropriate and individual needs hospital policy and standards of care in ensuring that the program plan is carried out and documents with emphasis on optimum level of functioning.

Preferred

Bilingual skills a plus.