Exercise Physiologist

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general supervision of the Director, the Exercise Physiologist uses educational background to coordinate and plan preventative and rehabilitative health care for patients in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Provides patient care by observing and assessing the patient’s condition, performing patient care interventions and testing, evaluating the results of care and medications administered, and educating patients and their families about the nature, care and treatment of the patient’s condition.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Performs a comprehensive patient evaluation and implements a plan of care which provides comprehensive, quality patient care.
• Diligently reviews the medical record and patient history.
• Assesses and implements appropriate care based on assessment of age, developmental stage and physical condition.
• Develops effective programs and applies therapeutic principles appropriately while ensuring patient safety at all times.  
• Establishes rapport with patient in a professional manner. 
• Monitors patient during exercise sessions and assesses tolerance appropriately.  
• Evaluates treatment efficacy and patient progress to aid in ascertaining program effectiveness and revising specifics of treatment programs.
• Works in a multidisciplinary manner with other therapy services and departments of the hospital to provide best quality of care.
• Works closely with medical director for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab, meeting as often as needed to maintain best quality of care and regulatory compliance.
• Provide community education via health fairs and other speaking engagements.
• Marketing activities to include visits to physicians and case managers for patient referrals.
• Maintains patient schedule in accordance with regulatory guidelines.  
• Performs general clerical duties to ensure departmental efficiency including ordering supplies. Inputs charges into billing system  
• Maintains accurate records and prepares timely reports according to department and regulatory policies, procedures and guidelines. 
• Creates and diligently maintains all patient charts in accordance with established policies and procedures.  
• Participates in education and performance improvement activities to enhance and maintain personal and departmental qualifications and standards of performance.  
• Provides effective patient/family education based on individualized learning needs.
• Cleans and maintains exercise equipment.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs other duties as required in a competent, professional and courteous manner.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members.  Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in Exercise Science preferred.

Experience: None required, prior cardiac rehab experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Certification as a Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES) or Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) required.  Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently. Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification within 90 days of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing & walking.

Occasional: reaching, bending, squatting, climbing kneeling, twisting.

Visual and hearing acuity required. Work is inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.

Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, moving mechanical parts, potential electric shock, radiant energy, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources