Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Overview

May be involved in Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation by providing education and ambulation services to patients in the hospital setting. Responsible for timely referral follow-up and intake scheduling. Responsible for new patient orientation and assessment and subsequent treatment plan development. Consults or collaborates with other team members as needed. Serves as a case manager for a group of patients and is responsible for the application of the treatment plan, treatment plan modifications, timely progress reporting, appropriate and timely communication with other clinical staff or providers, outcome tracking, and post program assessment and discharge planning. Monitors patients during rehab sessions: blood pressure, pulse, EKG, signs and symptoms, perceived exertion, blood glucose point of care testing. May be involved in facilitating group education. May case management patients enrolled in the weight management program involving exercise/fitness assessment, prescription, exercise sessions, and follow-up. May be involved in supervising an adult group exercise sessions. May be involved in conducting fitness testing for occupational health. May be involved in assisting with student orientation and training. May be asked to help with community outreach efforts. Attends monthly department meetings and patient round meetings.

Responsibilities

• Patient assessment/monitoring: biometric data, EKG, medical record/patient history review, medication reconciliation, signs and symptoms, exercise tolerance, mental health status, quality of life, dietary habits.
• Exercise testing: submaximal and exercise tolerance testing, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility.
• Exercise prescription and treatment plan development. Treatment plan/exercise implementation. Identifies needed exercise modifications. Makes changes to the treatment plan per the changing needs of the patient.
• Exercise training and leadership: communicates proper execution of the exercise and use of equipment, communicates safety strategies.
• Education and behavior change: identifies educational needs, communicates health information, facilitates attendance to group education classes, patient goal setting and engagement, uses strategies like motivational interviewing and active listening to facilitate successful behavior change.
• Documentation: documents and report patient’s clinical status and response to exercise training in the medical record. Completes regular progress reporting to referring providers and medical director.
• Environment: maintains safe environment by participating in infection control procedures and reporting any equipment malfunctions or environmental concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology or related field required.
Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology preferred.

Certification/Licensure

If no Master’s Degree, Certification (or certification eligible within 2 years) through the ACSM (Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist) or AACVPR (Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional or Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certificate) required within 2 years.
Current BLS certification. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Special Physicial Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision , depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.