Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist

The Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist at Wellstar Paulding Hospital plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular conditions. This position is responsible for providing age-appropriate, patient-specific care that addresses the biological, emotional, psychological, physical fitness, and educational needs of patients and their families. The Exercise Physiologist collaborates with various system care partners, including health psychology and diabetes education, to ensure that patients have comprehensive access to the continuum of care. By partnering with a multidisciplinary team, the Exercise Physiologist develops individualized, goal-oriented care plans and exercise prescriptions, which are essential for the success of each patient in the Cardiac Rehab program. Key responsibilities include assessing patient risk factors and providing strategies for therapeutic lifestyle changes, participating in the initial assessment and orientation of new participants, and developing and adjusting individual exercise prescriptions based on daily patient responses. The Exercise Physiologist supervises exercise sessions, monitors participants for inappropriate responses, and is responsible for vital sign measurements, including blood pressure and blood glucose levels, in accordance with departmental policies. Documentation of patient responses is done through Scott Care and EPIC systems, while maintaining strict confidentiality regarding patient information. In addition to patient care, the Exercise Physiologist is involved in teaching and education, assessing patients' knowledge of cardiovascular disease and nutrition, and leading educational sessions in both one-on-one and group settings. Team responsibilities include participating in emergency training, attending staff meetings, and contributing to performance and process improvement initiatives. The Exercise Physiologist is expected to maintain flexibility to respond to the changing needs of the team and communicate effectively with team members about patient findings and program issues. The role also requires a commitment to self-development, staying current in the field of cardiac rehabilitation through various educational resources and seeking opportunities for improvement. This position demands a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science or a related field, along with certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, as well as experience in exercising special populations, including cardiac, geriatric, and diabetic patients.