Exercise Physiologist

The Christ Hospital Health Network•West Chester Township, OH

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Exercise Physiologist in the outpatient rehab setting works as an integral part of the staff to manage functional improvements in the patient’s recovery process, as well as challenging the maintenance participants to sustain an optimal volume of exercise to promote well-being. The Exercise Physiologist is also a valuable teaching resource and contributes to the overall functioning of the department. The role involves managing patient recovery, promoting well-being through exercise, and contributing to departmental functions. The position requires adherence to Standards of Care, including assessment, outcome determination, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. It also involves Standards of Professional Practice such as process improvement, performance appraisal, education, collegiality, ethics, collaboration, research, and resource utilization. Other responsibilities include assignment, supervision, and delegation. The staff must consider the special needs and behaviors of specific patient populations, demonstrating competencies related to developmental, physical, psychosocial, mental, emotional, and social needs across the life span, as well as cultural norms, religious preferences, language/communication barriers, and literacy limitations.

Requirements

Maintains above average knowledge of anatomy and physiology with particular emphasis on cardiac and muscle physiology/pathophysiology.
Maintains good knowledge of frequently used cardiac medications and drug classes.
Demonstrates skill in use of various aerobic exercise equipment and strength training pieces.
Bachelors degree in exercise science, health education or related curriculum at a minimum.
The exercise specialist is able to prescribe exercise volume to clinically diverse populations, but focusing on aging individuals.
Demonstrates the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide culturally specific patient care and education.
Effectively communicates with peers, utilizes appropriate channels of communication and maintains confidentiality.
Demonstrates evidence of continuing professional growth.
Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change.
Demonstrates ability to work in a culturally diverse setting.
Good skills in cardiac arrhythmia recognition.
BCLS certification required prior to patient contact.
ACLS will be obtained within 4 months of employment if not already received.

Nice To Haves

Moderate windows-based computer skills is desirable.
ACSM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs an assessment of the patient’s health status appropriate to the patient’s presenting problems, potential problems and age related needs.
The data collection process is systematic and ongoing.
Delegates and supervises data collection of other team members.
Documents relevant data in patient record utilizing appropriate forms and flow records.
Outcomes are mutually formulated with the patient when possible and written in measurable terms.
Considers patient’s capabilities and formulates outcomes that are realistic and attainable.
Outcomes include a time estimate for completion.
Assessment data is used to develop a plan of care consistent with therapy prescribed by medical practitioner and standards of care.
Plan of care is developed and initiated with patient, family and other health team members when appropriate.
Plan of care is reviewed and prioritized at specific intervals and changes are made with the input of other health team members.
Plan of care is documented in the patient care record reflective of collaborative practice with other health team members as needed.
Discharge planning is ongoing and is updated with input from other health team members.
Response to emergency and other situations requiring immediate attention is accurate, precise and skilled within parameters and licensure set forth by institution policy showing flexibility to respond to changing direction of workload. Remains calm in emergency situations.
Interventions are consistent with the established plan of care.
Implements the plan of care in an organized and efficient manner.
Safety/security needs of patients are provided by maintaining communication system, equipment and restraints per policy and procedure.
Patient care record is reflective of patient’s response to interventions with emphasis on outcomes.
Patient care interventions are reviewed for effectiveness and plan of care is modified as required due to changing patient needs.
Patient and other health team members are involved in evaluation process when appropriate.
Follow up on patient care needs from previous shifts is completed to ensure continuity of care.
Demonstrates knowledge of unit / department quality improvement program or process.
Participates in unit / department program when appropriate.
Recognizes and shares opportunities for data collection that are pertinent.
Utilizes Professional Standard Practices as well as institution policy in performance evaluation of self and others.
The exercise specialist openly accepts feedback regarding own practice.
Participates in setting goals during appraisal and follows through on action plan to achieve goals.
Utilizes learning opportunities for self improvement.
Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development.
Seeks knowledge appropriate to practice setting.
Shares information gained through workshops or in-services.
Provides feedback concerning practice to peers and others.
Promotes a learning environment for students and new staff.
Maintains patient confidentiality.
The rights of the patient are respected. Each patient is recognized as an individual with unique and personal health needs.
Acts as patient advocate preserving autonomy and dignity.
Seeks resources to assist in ethical decisions.
Communicates and consults with physicians and other health care providers regarding patient needs to achieve expected outcomes.
Recognizes need for multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Actively promotes collaboration between disciplines by making appropriate referrals as needed.
Research from current allied health literature is applied to interventions for plan of care.
Participates in research activities related to field of practice when appropriate.
Maintains cost effective use of staff and supplies.
Evaluates interventions for cost and effectiveness when more than one intervention could be used in plan of care.
Refers to the shift of an activity or task from one person to another. In this action responsibility and accountability are relieved.
The initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, and observation and evaluation. The exercise physiologist delegating the task to another person must evaluate and document, on an ongoing basis, the needs of the client, the performance of the person, the need for further instruction, and the need to withdraw delegation when appropriate.