Exercise Specialist - PT 20-24hrs/week BMH

Bronson Healthcare Group•Kalamazoo, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Exercise Specialist provides clinical support to Cardiovascular Services and/or Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation. In Cardiovascular Services, the specialist performs physician-ordered non-invasive cardiology tests, including EKGs, cardiac stress tests, and Holter and event monitoring; supervises stress tests; assists physicians and other professionals during testing; and administers Lexiscan and Definity according to department policy. In Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the specialist monitors and supervises Phase II and Phase III patients, determines exercise prescriptions, performs body-fat analysis, and documents patient performance and individualized treatment plans. Direct-care employees must demonstrate competencies for the populations they serve. The role includes preparing and monitoring patients and equipment during tests and rehabilitation sessions, assessing whether tests and exercise activities are appropriate, recognizing abnormal cardiac rhythms and other signs of distress, documenting patient information and results, coordinating care with physicians and staff, and performing associated clerical and department-support tasks. The position is part-time, scheduled for 20 hours per week, on first shift. The work is based at Bronson locations in Kalamazoo, including Bronson Methodist Hospital South Campus and the BAC/LIRC location.

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 patient population served when providing direct patient care.
Strong organizational, assessment, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, assess test protocols, determine test endpoints, and recognize critical arrhythmias.
Proficiency in managing PC applications.
Effective communication, social sensitivity, and ability to work professionally and collaboratively with patients and staff.

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 tests, including EKGs, cardiac stress tests, Holter monitoring, and event monitoring.
Supervise stress tests, monitor patients and equipment, identify and report EKG abnormalities, and assist physicians during testing.
Evaluate patient and test appropriateness, review relevant clinical information, and discuss potential alternatives with the ordering physician.
Prepare patients and testing rooms; apply electrodes, leads, pulse oximeters, and blood-pressure equipment; and start IV lines according to procedure.
Administer Lexiscan and Definity and obtain medications and supplies according to department procedures and protocols.
Apply event and Holter monitors, instruct patients in their use, and scan and review Holter recordings for irregularities for physician interpretation.
Supervise Phase II and Phase III cardiac rehabilitation patients, monitor exercise and physiological responses, and adjust exercise plans or equipment when appropriate.
Assess rehabilitation patients, complete intake, reassessment, and discharge documentation, and develop exercise prescriptions and individualized treatment plan exercise sections for physician review.
Monitor patient symptoms, heart rate zones, blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, medications, EKG rhythms, perceived exertion, and shortness of breath; respond appropriately to abnormal findings or exercise problems.
Educate patients about exercise, rehabilitation evaluations, home activity goals, and use of exercise equipment; present exercise education forums.
Coordinate patient care with physicians and staff, attend or coordinate case-review meetings, and work with insurance companies on prior authorizations and extensions.
Document patient status, performance, goals, test results, charges, and other information in patient charts and computer systems.
Perform clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling cases, arranging transport, copying studies to CD, obtaining demographic information, and distributing schedules.
Open and close exercise rooms, prepare rooms and charts, perform daily defibrillator and glucometer checks, clean and stock the department, and perform minor preventive maintenance on equipment.
Demonstrate proficiency with PC applications, manage multiple priorities, assess test protocols, determine test endpoints, and recognize critical arrhythmias.
Communicate professionally and effectively with patients, colleagues, managers, physicians, and customers; contribute to teamwork, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.