EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST - CARDIAC REHAB

Overview

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (CRPR) Exercise Physiologist demonstrates excellent customer service performance and supports a work environment in that his/her attitude and actions are always consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare, and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

The CRPR Exercise Physiologist (EP) under the direct supervision of the medical director(s) oversees patients in the three phases of CRPR treatment:

Phase I – Acute Care CPRPR Consult visits to promote the benefits of treatment and close gaps in the continuum of care.

Phase II – Outpatient environment EP with other members of the multi-disciplinary staff supervises and monitors Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation patients during exercise treatment via vital signs and/or telemetry monitoring. This includes preprogram patient assessment and evaluation to assist in the development of physician approved individualized Exercise Prescription and Treatment Plan which includes ongoing re-assessment.

Phase III – Supervises the phase II patient graduates into an independent, self-pay, maintenance exercise program. This allows the patient to maintain the exercise tolerance they achieved while in phase II treatment.

 The EP maintains patient safety through adherence of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation emergency procedures and provides patient risk factor modification plus self-management education to assist the patient in returning to independence at home and within the community after completion of Phase II treatment.

Responsibilities

Participates in daily operations in CR-PR to provide extraordinary care at every level of the continuum of care.

Communicates with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients, and members of their support system.

Participates in staff training, annual skills competencies and provide input when asked for staff annual job performance reviews.

Maintains Emergency Preparedness and patient safety in CRPR.

Obtains/performs the following

Daily medication reconciliation with each patient

ECG, Telemetry Monitoring and Vital Sign Assessment during CRPR treatment sessions.

Glucose monitoring as indicated.

Functional Capacity Assessments such as 6-Minute Walk Test, Step Test and Sit-to-Stands

Preforms patient instruction and gym orientation, able to obtain individual patient baseline exercise capacity levels to ensure patient safety

Patient interaction and motivation to encourage Home Exercise Program

Assists in the development/implementation of physician approved patient Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs), including the patients exercise prescription, and with reassessment every 30 days of CRPR treatment.

Provides patient risk stratification, behavior modification and self-management education to encourage wellbeing and independence at home and within the community.

Collects patient outcome measurements, to analyses program effectiveness and   utilize in program performance improvement strategies.

Promotes/participates in community benefits education and activities.

Professional advocacy and networking outside health systems to stay up to date on best practices outlined by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Assists coordinator with strategic program development and implementation including policies and procedures, program structure, and adaptation of new healthcare trends as they relate to CR-PR; in accordance with evidence-based outcomes, regulatory compliance, and national certification standards.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Fitness or Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology.

BLS certification required. ACLS certification required once employed.

Preferred experience in related field 6-24 months.

 Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation exercise testing, exercise prescription development and individualized treatment plans, as normally acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree as stated above.

Excellent people skills needed to communicate successfully with patients, providers, community members and other Covenant HealthCare employees and/or groups communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Excellent organization skills, clinical experience and expertise required to oversee effective patient care plans within the accountable health care environment.

Knowledge of and adherence to approved structure and process standards for select patient populations.

Demonstrates awareness of and assumes self-responsibility for practicing within the scope of the Exercise Physiologist role. Demonstrates the ability to remain calm during high volume, stress, and crisis situations.

Demonstrates the ability to problem solve and prioritize staff/patient needs independently, efficiently, and effectively.

Ability to flex schedule in order to meet department and staffing needs.

Ability to lead and mentor staff and interns.

Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) documentation

Knowledge of a CRPR telemetry monitoring system and Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) development/implementation documentation.

Demonstrated competency in:  Microsoft® Windows,

 Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.

Constant standing, walking, hearing and near vision.

Frequent lifting up to 20 lbs.

Frequent talking, midrange vision, depth perception, visual accommodation, and color vision.

Occasional lifting to 100 or more lbs.

Occasional sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, handling and field of vision.