Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

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Work Schedule: This position is primarily scheduled to work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Work Location: This position will be primarily located at the Cary location, 1515 SW Cary Parkway, Cary, NC 27511. There is also an opportunity to pick up additional hours on Wednesdays and Fridays in Raleigh.

Summary: The Clinical Exercise Physiologist works closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based exercise therapy that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused medical goals. Primary responsibilities include development and implementation of the exercise prescription through initial patient assessment, exercise testing, monitoring, and evaluation of the patient's progress. The Clinical Exercise Physiologist uses evidence-based practice, protocols, and guidelines to determine exercise intervention. As part of the multidisciplinary team, the Clinical Exercise Physiologist is directly involved in patient care, patient education, program development, and quality performance improvement.

Responsibilities: 1. Assesses exercise therapy needs using standardized practice and critical thinking. Conducts exercise testing where applicable. Recognizes potential medical problems in all clinical situations and works in collaboration with the healthcare team to resolve these issues. Recognizes unsafe exercise situations and intervenes to ensure patient safety. Monitors response to exercise such as heart rate and rhythm, ratings of perceived exertion, blood pressures, blood glucoses, and O2 Sats. Attends and participates in patient care conferences. 2. Develops exercise prescriptions according to age, disease, medical history, comorbidities, and individual needs for patients. Implements, monitors, and modifies exercise prescriptions and individual treatment plans. Participates in reassessments and discharge planning process. Demonstrates clinical and age-specific competency as evidenced by clinical competency tools, forms, chart audits, tests, observation, etc. 3. Provides initial orientation to exercise program, educating patient on untoward signs and symptoms to recognize and report, safe use of exercise equipment, and program processes. Provides patient education on a variety of topics, such as disease management, safe exercise principles, risk factor modification, medication compliance, stress management, and behavior modification. 4. Documents all aspects of exercise therapy in the medical record. Demonstrates compliance with regulatory agency standards as evidenced by chart audits and organizational / regulatory agency surveys. Communicates effectively with physicians, medical director, other providers, and co-workers. Provides patient education using established behavioral change techniques. Communicates with patients in a clear and effective manner. 5. Assists in achieving compliance with the Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), American Association for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) or other accrediting agency standards to continuously improve the safety and quality of care to the public and to the organization's performance improvement. Performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that clinical care is safe and effective. 6. Attends and participates in staff meetings, and continuing education opportunities. Participates in quality improvement initiatives and cross training. Maintains professional competency and skills required for professional practice. Act as a resource for community-based exercise programs. 7. Participates in the training of clinical exercise physiology students and orienting new staff members as directed by supervisor.