Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Specialist

Overview

A Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialistdevelops customized treatment plans and implements personalized exercise and education programs for patients who have experienced angina, heart attack, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive disease and coronary bypass to improve breathing and quality of life and will monitor vital signs, lung function, and exercise tolerance, providing patient education on disease management, smoking cessation, and breathing techniques. The Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist will work closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians, to ensure a holistic approach to patient care. The Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist will provide education for patients and their families about disease management, healthy lifestyle choices, and the use of respiratory equipment. In compliance with CMS guidelines, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab may be performed by the following: Exercise Physiologist, Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist, and/or Respiratory Therapist.

Responsibilities

• patient assessments to evaluate pulmonary and cardiac function
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments and/or emergency respiratory care, using prescribed equipment, gasses, drugs, or other required methods within scope of practice
• Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation plans
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Educate patients and families on disease management and prevention
• Conduct therapeutic exercises and interventions
• Coordinate with physicians and healthcare team members
• Keep accurate and detailed patient records
• Performs necessary reporting functions as directed
• Provide emotional and psychological support to patients
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and safety standards
• Ensures that equipment and supplies are available and in proper condition for patient use
• Assists the director in the implementation of services provided to the patients
• Assists with conducting wellness programs
• Attend in-service education programs as needed
• Assists with the implementation and organization of programs and events
• Conducts patient follow-up assessments and reports
• Conducts Body Fat Percent measurements
• Conducts cardiac stress testing and EKG’s
• Converses with the director in updating the exercise prescriptions
• Accountable to possess knowledge in telemetry monitoring
• Must possess knowledge of cardiac and pulmonary anatomy/physiology
• Proficient in the concept of wellness that includes exercise, nutrition, and stress
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and one of the following:
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current license by the State Board of Nursing. Bachelor’s degree in nursing, preferred. OR
• Graduate of an accredited school of physical therapy approved by either the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or the American Physical Therapy Association (minimum BS degree). Foreign-trained therapists must have their credentials reviewed and approved by an independent agency appointed by the State Board of Physical Therapy. Licensed, or eligible for licensure, as physical therapist by state. OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or related field.
• Graduate of an accredited school of Respiratory Therapy program AND Certified by American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) AND Valid National Board of Respiratory Care Certification in states where certification is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required for Physical Therapy and Exercise Science.

Minimum Work Experience

• A minimum of two years working with Cardiac and/or Pulmonary Rehab program are preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Good communication skills; able to set up, maintain and make changes to equipment and prescribed exercise programs; able to correctly and efficiently perform any/all testing as required for the patient.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist Qualifications & Skills

• Advanced certification in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, preferred
• Experience working in a hospital or clinical setting
• Proven ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong patient education and communication skills
• Knowledge of the latest rehabilitation techniques and equipment
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Ability to handle stressful situations and work under pressure
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Exercise Physiologist, Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist or Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RRT),
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in related field, preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and education
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays