Exercise Physiologist

Hillsboro Medical Center • Hillsboro, OR

67d • $29 - $41

About The Position

The Exercise Physiologist provides direct and indirect care to patients participating in all phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation. The role assists with evaluating, planning, coordinating, and implementing exercise therapy and education programs intended to limit the adverse physiological and psychological effects of illness. Care includes ongoing monitoring of patient vital signs, blood pressure, heart rhythms and EKGs, and overall response to exercise, with appropriate adjustments and urgent or emergency response or referral as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS certification within 90 days of hire; candidates without this certification upon hire must have current BLS certification through another provider.
• Ability to recognize abnormal EKG rhythms, including arrhythmias.
• Effective client assessment skills.
• Knowledge of exercise prescription and exercise testing.
• Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills related to client care and unit activities.
• Competency using exercise equipment and knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation department equipment, including EKG monitors, oximetry, and glucometers.
• Ability to perform efficiently in emergency client situations while following established procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient and coworker information in accordance with PHI requirements.
• Awareness of safety measures, accident prevention, and reporting potential hazards.
• Self-directed learning and participation in continuing education.
• Ability to function as a client advocate and work effectively in a team, using the RN, medical director, and patient’s physician care team as resources.
• Ability to adapt professionally to changes in scheduling, staffing, delays, emergencies, and product utilization.
• Professional manner in dress and speech; awareness and sensitivity to client and significant other rights.
• Ability to collaborate with coworkers and use problem-solving methods to resolve conflicts, complaints, or concerns.
• Understanding of physiological changes in exercising clients with different disease states and indicators for moderating or terminating exercise.
• Ability to investigate ways to improve customer service using feedback from clients, families, coworkers, and other departments.
• Ability to prioritize client care according to client needs and respond appropriately to unexpected changes in client status.
• Ability to recognize client learning needs and provide education that promotes self-care.
• Ability to use cost-effective measures in delivering client care.
• Ability to apply age-appropriate and individual needs, hospital policy, and standards of care to carry out and document program plans, emphasizing optimum functioning.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Completion of a cardiovascular rehabilitation internship and/or six months of clinical experience in cardiovascular rehabilitation.
• ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification.
• AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional certification.
• AARC/AACVPR Pulmonary Rehabilitation certification.
• Well Coaches Wellness Coach certification.
• Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients and establish plans of care based on medical history, diagnosis, and presentation, including obtaining medical history, taking initial vital signs and EKGs, discussing diet, and creating a plan of care.
• Provide direct patient care by monitoring vital signs, electrocardiograms, and, when needed, blood sugars.
• Recognize changes, symptoms, and other problems related to participants’ conditions and determine appropriate interventions, including responding to urgent situations.
• Develop exercise prescriptions and programs involving flexibility, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise.
• Formulate teaching plans covering prevention, disease processes, medication compliance, smoking cessation, dietary practices, physical activity, cardiovascular risks, and other needs.
• Prepare curricula for group and individual presentations; evaluate correct form and instruct participants in proper exercise techniques; and provide education on policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment; monitor, order, and stock exercise equipment and supplies.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time