EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

JOB SUMMARY

Working in conjunction with the Cardiology Service Leaders, Nurses and Providers, the Exercise Physiologist assesses, plans, implements and collaborates with other departments to ensure excellence in patient and family care, reflective of CCMH mission, vision and values. The EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST will integrate departmental goals for improvement across the care continuum. He/She may coordinate patient care activities, as appropriate, to other health care providers. The EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST practices within the framework of the regulatory standards for quality management for AACVPR and ACSM, National Patient Safety Goals, and American Association of Critical Care Standards.

Develops, implements, and evaluates exercise programs for patients. Conducts testing that assesses cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise for cardiac and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Follows testing protocols and selects appropriate testing protocol for the patient. Monitors patient during testing. Calculates and records testing results. Coordinates with cross-functional patient care teams. May design exercise prescriptions, instructional materials, home exercise guidelines, and discharge instructions. Conducts exercise training sessions for patients. Requires a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitates physical assessment and appropriate exercise programs specific to cardiac and pulmonary patients.
• Develops exercise and individualized treatment plan based on patient assessment, industry standards and department policy. Modifies/adjusts exercise treatment plan based on patient response to exercise and patient reassessment.
• Implements the plan of care, as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Evaluates progress towards desired outcomes, gives input to the plan of care.
• Educates patient and families exercise program and plan of care.
• Performs infection prevention practices of equipment between patients
• Provides service excellence to all customers.
• Demonstrates efficient time management and prioritization skills.
• Maintains professional standards related to clinical practice, staffing and continuing education.
• Practices fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Actively participates in hospital committees, CQI teams, and Quality Improvement Program.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment.
• Adheres to CCMH policies and procedures.
• Complies with the hospital's Corporate Compliance Program including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, laws and regulations, and hospital policies and procedures.
• Will be required to work on other nursing units according to distribution of staff and patients.
• Must be free from governmental sanctions involving health care and/or financial practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Functions independently in respective home department and another department within service line.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education, Training, Experience:

• Education: Minimum of Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology required, Masters preferred.
• Licensure: Wyoming license.
• Certifications required: See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification Policy and Certifications/Education Requirements Policy.
• Experience: Experience in critical care preferred.

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The ability to maintain continuing education requirements and all certifications and licenses as required (e.g. ACLS, PALS, CPI, CPR) to maintain professional license. The RN practices within the framework of the Wyoming Nurse Practice Act, American Nurses Association professional standards, National Patient Safety Goals, and American Association of Critical Care Standards.
  • Licensed professionals must strictly adhere to the ethical code of their respective discipline.
• Must be able to assess a patient's condition, formulate a plan of care, select appropriate interventions, evaluate patient response to care/treatment and to explain/ teach patients about their condition/ recovery.
• Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, patient families, physicians, and staff in order to effectively care for the patients.
• Ability to handle emergency high-stress situations.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions and under stressful conditions.
• Analytical and reasoning skills with a high level of mental concentration and memory.
• Ability to speak clearly to communicate and develop positive interaction with patients, patient families, physicians, and staff in order to effectively care for the patients.
• Computer knowledge including the ability to enter material into electronic record. Ability to operate fax, computer, and copy machine to perform the duties of the position.
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of developmental stages and apply developmental theories/concepts when planning and implementing care for the appropriate age of the patient. Ability to maintain the appropriate level of knowledge and skills.
• Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in the following age groups:
  • Adult (19-64)
  • Geriatric (Age 65 and older)