Senior Exercise Physiologist – ACSM Certified (Cardiac ICU)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Exercise Physiologist is responsible for patient intake and exercise prescription formulation for patients and works as part of an integrated clinical team. The Senior Exercise Physiologist will monitor physiological data during exercise and make appropriate adjustments for the safety and therapeutic benefit of the patient. They will assist in the education of patients and communicate effectively with other disciplines involved in their care. The Senior Exercise Physiologist will demonstrate leadership and serve as a mentor for other members of the team. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is seeking a Senior, ACSM-Certified Exercise Physiologist to join the Medical and Surgical Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) within the nationally recognized Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute. This advanced clinical role supports high-acuity cardiac ICU patients through early mobility, individualized exercise prescription, and continuous physiologic monitoring. The Exercise Physiologist serves as an integral member of the interdisciplinary ICU team and helps advance recovery for some of the most critically ill cardiac patients. Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute is home to some of the nation’s top heart and vascular specialists. Our teams provide personalized, evidence-based care for patients with the most complex cardiovascular conditions, often referred from across the country. Conditions treated include: Aortic aneurysm, stenosis, and regurgitation Arrhythmias Cardiomyopathy and advanced heart failure Congenital heart defects Coronary artery disease Endocarditis Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity.

Requirements

ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP)
Minimum of 3 years clinical exercise physiology experience
Specialization and demonstrated experience in cardiac rehabilitation
Strong clinical judgment and comfort working in acute care or ICU environments

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in a cardiac ICU or CVICU setting
Experience with advanced cardiac support or transplant populations
BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized exercise prescriptions for critically ill cardiac patients
Deliver early mobility and therapeutic exercise interventions, including bedside activity and cycling for ICU patients
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and continuous EKG telemetry during exercise sessions
Recognize abnormal physiologic responses, contraindications, and clinical instability, adjusting interventions appropriately
Work directly with advanced cardiac support populations including post-operative cardiac surgery, heart failure, and ECMO patients
Collaborate daily with physicians, ICU nurses, physical therapists, and other allied health professionals
Educate patients and families on the benefits of exercise and recovery progression
Coordinate referrals to outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
Document patient care accurately and in a timely using approved clinical templates
Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, quality improvement initiatives, and program development
Serve as a clinical leader and mentor for Exercise Physiologists and students
Provide exercise and basic health interventions to assist patients
Recognize contraindications and abnormal responses to exercise
Design and implement individualized exercise for each assigned patient
Respond appropriately to all situations including exercise cessation and referral to medical professionals
Educate patients on the importance of exercise and facilitate outpatient referrals for qualifying patients
Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals regarding patient care, education, and program development
Participate in meetings with health care providers for patient care and quality improvement initiatives
Mentor students and/or Exercise Physiologists