Exercise Physiologist- Cardiopulmonary Rehab

Advocate Health • Chicago, IL

2d • $25 - $38

About The Position

The Exercise Physiologist works in cardiac rehabilitation, interpreting physiological data from stress tests to create individualized exercise prescriptions and planning and implementing treatment programs based on patient evaluations. The role adapts prescriptions in response to cardiac symptoms, exercise intolerance, or musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and other medical concerns, and works with physicians to determine program eligibility, progress, and readiness for unmonitored home programs or Phase III participation.

The position develops and presents health education on exercise and risk-factor reduction, counsels patients on home activity and exercise programs and exercise equipment, and collaborates with patients, families, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, physician assistants, medical staff, and referral sources. It also supports cardiac monitoring and outpatient rehabilitation, responds to emergencies or exercise-intolerance symptoms, and may mentor staff pursuing relevant American College of Sports Medicine certification.

The role requires age-appropriate patient care and the ability to assess patient status and provide care consistent with departmental policies and procedures. The work involves patient positioning and transportation, lifting and pushing/pulling, use of computer and testing equipment, and potential exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood, or body-fluid hazards. This is a part-time position of 20 hours per week, with no holidays or weekends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association, to be obtained within six months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
• Ability to make independent decisions and handle complex clinical situations involving cardiac patients.
• Good communication skills and effective team functioning.
• Ability to perform the listed physical activities and meet the stated lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, and patient-transfer demands.
• Ability to use fine hand manipulation with a computer keyboard and testing equipment; functional vision, speech, and hearing.
• Ability to take precautions and wear protective clothing as necessary when exposed to hazards or blood and body fluids.

Nice To Haves

• Cardiac rehabilitation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret physiological data from stress tests to determine individualized exercise prescriptions.
• Plan and implement treatment programs based on patient evaluations; modify exercise prescriptions according to cardiac symptoms, signs of exercise intolerance, and other medical or musculoskeletal concerns.
• Work with physicians to determine program eligibility, progress, and timing of progression to an unmonitored home program or Phase III participation.
• Establish and present coordinated health education programs on exercise and risk-factor reduction.
• Participate in patient and family conferences as necessary and work with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, physician assistants, and medical staff regarding patient status and rehabilitation.
• Promote rehabilitation referrals by developing working relationships with physicians and nurses.
• Place electrodes on patients for cardiac monitors and tests.
• Counsel patients on home activity and exercise programs and exercise equipment purchases.
• Assist with cardiac emergencies or symptoms of exercise intolerance and with program planning and implementation.
• May mentor staff pursuing American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Technologist or Specialist certification.
• Serve as a hospital consultant in exercise physiology and participate in professional organizations for personal development.
• Assist in monitoring outpatient cardiac rehabilitation exercise groups.
• Perform patient positioning and transportation duties, including lifting and pushing/pulling with proper technique.
• Provide care appropriate to patients' ages and developmental needs, consistent with departmental policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Potential premium pay, incentive pay for select positions, and annual performance-based increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time