Exercise Specialist

FMOLHS•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

The Exercise Specialist assesses cardiovascular and metabolic capacity and develops, implements, and evaluates exercise programs for patients. The role provides educational materials and conducts patient sessions. Responsibilities initially require instruction and guidance, with the expectation that work will develop to require minimal supervision. The Exercise Specialist may supervise and oversee the Exercise Physiology Tech. The role plans, leads, and evaluates rehabilitation and education programs; supports patient assessment, care planning, exercise prescription, and progress documentation; and communicates patient status and changes to appropriate personnel and physicians. It also maintains exercise equipment and supplies, participates in quality improvement and safety activities, and supports emergency preparedness. The specialist is expected to maintain current licensure and professional knowledge, follow hospital and departmental policies, and promote effective, safe patient care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
Current BLS certification.

Responsibilities

Plans, implements, and evaluates rehabilitation programs to support quality and continuity of patient care.
Participates as a unit clinician, educator, consultant, and researcher in programs for the community, hospital staff, and patients.
Models a healthy lifestyle for patients and the community.
Assists with or institutes emergency measures in response to sudden adverse patient developments.
Inspects and charts emergency supplies and equipment for proper function and adequate supply.
Assists with organizing emergency drills and participates in them routinely.
Plans, leads, and evaluates education programs for patients and hospital staff in the area of expertise.
Develops home exercise prescriptions and instructs patients in their application.
Encourages patients toward independent exercise and progression toward physical and emotional recovery.
Participates in continuous quality improvement and quality assurance studies and supports compliance with hospital and divisional standards.
Attends required meetings and participates on committees as directed.
Assists with patients’ initial assessment and orientation and with developing care plans alongside other team members.
Prepares and adjusts individual exercise prescriptions based on graded exercise testing, physician recommendations, patient condition, and symptoms.
Documents initial assessments, daily patient information, and progress accurately and promptly.
Organizes and supervises exercise sessions and tests.
Demonstrates exercises, correct body positioning, and equipment use to help prevent injury.
Instructs patients about the benefits of prescribed exercises and the importance of following their exercise prescription.
Measures, collects, and records patient data, including vital signs, and promptly reports abnormalities or significant status changes.
Prepares and sends patient reports to referring physicians in a timely manner.
Communicates with physicians about patient management and changes in patient status.
Maintains and updates patient charts appropriately.
Calibrates and services exercise equipment regularly and arranges repairs to support safe and efficient use.
Maintains supply and education-literature inventories, submits requisitions, verifies receipt and distribution, and ensures requisitions are filled properly.
Maintains current licensure and professional knowledge through awareness of current cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation trends, seminars, workshops, conferences, and professional affiliations.
Follows departmental and hospital policies and procedures, including safety, quality assurance, and infection-control standards.
Maintains timely, efficient performance and appropriate behavior and appearance, and works to improve organizational, social, and leadership skills.
Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
May supervise and oversee the Exercise Physiology Tech.