JOB SUMMARY
The Exercise Physiologist will perform exercise design, implementation, evaluation and monitoring. The Exercise Physiologist is part as the Cardiopulmonary Rehab team works in a collaborative practice with respiratory therapists to provide individualized exercise prescription, evaluation and goal planning for participating patients. Participates in department committees, program design and Performance Improvement activities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned.
· Provides monitoring, education and instruction relative to exercise reconditioning and risk modification to both Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation patients.
· Collaborates with RNs, and other ancillary members of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation team to define goals, needs and treatment plans for program participants.
· Develops and writes exercise prescriptions and designs regimens for program participants.
· Conducts and monitors educational programs as assigned. Communicates issues pertaining to classes to the Director as appropriate.
· Designs an activity plan or exercise prescription based on and in agreement with the patient’s goals within the context of present health status.
· Assesses program participants, documents plan of activity, and identifies risk factors, risk stratification and functional capacity of individual participant.
· Develops a discharge plan in collaboration with the R.N., patient and significant others. The plan includes a mechanism for transition to another program, discharge to home or continuation and a mechanism for follow-up. The plan includes a home exercise program.
· Monitors, documents and report clinical responses to activity, adjusts or terminates exercise based on clinical observation, ACSM/ACVPR guidelines and assists in the emergency plan.
· Facilitates phase I to phase II transition process for cardiac and pulmonary rehab, actively assigns patients to phase II who qualify for the program. Provides follow-up phone calls, as necessary.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology and/or other related field
· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
· American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certification preferred
· 1 year prior Cardiac Rehab experience preferred
· Extensive knowledge of cardiac disease, anatomy and physiology, risk stratification, exercise physiology and diet and nutrition are essential.
· Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.
ABOUT NCH
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.
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Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there’s always more at NCH—for you and every person we serve together.