EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

The Exercise Physiologist is responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing exercise therapy programs for patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions both inpatient and outpatient. This role plays a critical part in improving the physical health and fitness levels of patients, assisting in recovery, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through customized exercise regimens. The Exercise Physiologist collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties 

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of cardiovascular and pulmonary function using diagnostic tools like stress tests, metabolic testing, and EKG monitoring.
• Develop and implement individualized exercise programs based on patient assessments and physician recommendations, focusing on improving aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and flexibility.
• Monitor patients during exercise sessions, adjusting the program as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. Assists patients with exercise equipment as needed.
• Educate patients on cardiovascular and pulmonary health, including risk factors, lifestyle changes, and the benefits of regular exercise.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans that integrate exercise therapy with medical treatments.
• Track patient progress, maintain detailed records, and adjust care plans as necessary to meet treatment goals.
• Provide emergency care in case of adverse cardiac or respiratory events during exercise sessions, following established protocols. Reports adverse events to ordering providers.
• Assist in research and quality improvement initiatives related to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and exercise therapy.  
• Assists with scheduling and billing of cardiac and pulmonary rehab services.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure. 
• Provides behavior modification education and early mobility and ambulation for patients within the inpatient setting upon referral Rehabilitation. 
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards, including infection control and patient safety protocols.
• Patient Experience: Engage with patients and their families in a manner that promotes comfort, trust, and understanding. Address patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, striving to create a positive and supportive environment that fosters a sense of security and well-being.
• Employee Experience: Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. Offer constructive feedback and assistance to peers, and engage in open communication to promote a culture of mutual respect and teamwork.
• Adhere to infection control protocols and ensure a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Implement standard precautions and safety measures to prevent the spread of infections.

Non Essential Duties

• Assist with administrative duties, such as scheduling patients, filing records, and maintaining inventory of exercise equipment.
• Participate in community outreach programs and health education events to promote awareness of cardiovascular and pulmonary health.
• Attend departmental meetings and in-service training sessions to stay current on industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

• Minimum 140 hours internship experience in cardiac and/ or pulmonary rehabilitation.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 1 year experience in cardiac rehab setting preferred

Required Licensure/Education

• Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year degree program in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or a related field. A Masters degree is preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification by American Heart Association required within 6 months of hire.
• Certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (C-CEP) by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation required at 1 year of hire.

Preferred Education

• Masters degree from an accredited four-year degree program in Exercise Physiology with focus on cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation is preferred.
• ECG rhythm recognition preferred.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes: 

Compensation

•              Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
•              Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
•              Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

•              Paid Time Off programs
•              Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
•              Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
•              Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
•              Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:

•              Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Cydex
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Rare
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Rare

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate via telephone, facilitate meetings, presentations/training.
• Vision: Needed to read memos and literature, CIS information. Also needed to assess patients and see the locations of patients and equipment.
• Smell: Helpful for electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communication, meetings and listening to concerns and patient assessment information, blood pressure.
• Touch: Necessary for writing, computer entry, filing, B/P's.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 40%
• Twist: 30%
• Stand: 50%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 40%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 3%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 50 lbs: Never
• Up to 75 lbs: Never
• Up to 100 lbs: Never
• Over 100 lbs: Never

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):Lifting echo patient or pharmacologic stress test patient from the wheelchair to the bed and back.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 45
• Twist: 30
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 2
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 2
• Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: 10# often

• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 20-30# frequently
• Fine Manipulation: Computer keyboard, calculator, and writing.
• Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control:

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Very loud
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards: Explosive-O2 hook-ups in department.
• Protective Clothing Required: Universal precautions: gloves, goggles, and mask for handling equipment.