Exercise Specialist - PT 20-24hrs/week BMH

Bronson Healthcare•Kalamazoo, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Exercise Specialist provides clinical support to Cardiovascular Services and/or Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. In Cardiovascular Services, the specialist performs physician-ordered non-invasive cardiology tests, supports and supervises cardiac stress testing, assists physicians during testing, and administers Lexiscan and Definity according to department procedures. In Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the specialist supervises Phase II and Phase III patients, develops and evaluates exercise prescriptions, monitors patient responses to exercise, documents performance and treatment plans, and supports patient education and care coordination. The role is part-time, scheduled for 20 hours per week, and works the first shift at Bronson Methodist Hospital locations in Kalamazoo. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field. Basic Life Support certification is required upon hire or within 90 days, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification is required within six months. Basic and Advanced EKG courses must be completed satisfactorily within 12 months of hire. Previous experience testing low- and high-risk patients and certification by the American College of Sports Medicine are preferred. The employee works in a clean, well-lit, temperature-controlled environment and may occasionally encounter cutting instruments or other hazards, infectious disease, airborne particles, fumes, or toxic or caustic chemicals. The role involves frequent patient and team communication, and requires organizational, assessment, critical-thinking, and computer skills. Physical demands include regularly talking, hearing, standing, walking, and performing fine motor tasks; occasional stooping, crouching or kneeling; lifting or moving up to 50 pounds; and moving quickly to gather equipment and medication during emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field.
Satisfactory completion of Basic EKG and Advanced EKG courses within 12 months of hire.
BLS certification upon hire or within the first 90 days of employment.
ACLS certification within 6 months of hire.
Demonstrate competencies specific to the population served when providing direct patient care.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Assessment skills to determine whether a patient test protocol is appropriate.
Critical-thinking skills to determine test endpoints and recognize critical arrhythmias.
Proficiency in managing PC applications.
Effective communication, social sensitivity, and ability to work professionally with patients and colleagues.
Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds and move quickly to gather equipment and medication during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in exercise testing of low- and high-risk patients.
Certification by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Responsibilities

Perform physician-ordered non-invasive cardiology testing, including EKGs, cardiac stress tests, Holter monitoring, and event monitoring.
Prepare patients for tests and procedures, obtain relevant clinical and medication information, assess test appropriateness, and explain procedures.
Monitor patients and equipment during testing, recognize and report EKG abnormalities, observe for distress, and assist physicians and other professionals.
Supervise stress tests and administer Lexiscan and Definity according to department procedures and protocols.
Prepare testing rooms and equipment, place electrodes and leads, apply pulse oximetry and blood-pressure equipment, and start IV lines according to procedure.
Apply Holter and event monitors and instruct patients in their use; scan Holter recordings and identify irregularities for physician interpretation.
Enter patient information, test results, charges, and other required data into computer systems; perform clerical tasks, including scheduling and answering phones.
Perform minor preventive equipment maintenance and clean and stock the cardiac testing department.
Complete rehabilitation intake assessments, reassessments, discharge paperwork, and exercise portions of individualized treatment plans.
Supervise Phase II and Phase III rehabilitation patients during exercise; assess patient status and responses, monitor rhythms and vital signs, adjust exercise settings or prescriptions, and take appropriate action when concerns arise.
Develop and provide exercise prescriptions and home-exercise guidance, and present patient education on exercise.
Coordinate patient care with staff and physicians, attend or coordinate case reviews, and work with insurance companies to obtain prior authorizations and extensions.
Document patient status, performance, goals, medical-history changes, and treatment plans in patient records and computer systems.
Open and close the exercise room, prepare for patients, perform daily defibrillator and glucometer checks, and participate in team huddles.
Perform EKGs and glucose testing when indicated and respond appropriately to results.
Demonstrate proficiency with PC applications and maintain strong organizational, assessment, and critical-thinking skills, including recognition of critical arrhythmias.
Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, managers, employees, physicians, customers, and team members; handle conflict and participate in problem-solving.