Senior Exercise Physiologist – ACSM Certified (Cardiac ICU)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. Organization: VHVI Cardiac Rehab Job Summary: 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. . Senior Exercise Physiologist – ACSM Certified (Cardiac ICU) Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (No weekends or holidays) Overview 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 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 Why Choose Heart and Vascular Care at Vanderbilt Recognized Care – Consistently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals for cardiovascular care by leading quality organizations Depth of Experience – One of the busiest heart programs in the U.S., accepting the most complex cases Unique Services – Specialized programs including atrial fibrillation, autonomic dysfunction, cardio-oncology, vascular medicine, and geriatric cardiology Innovative Techniques – Pioneers in minimally invasive procedures and ICU-based ECMO mobility Team-Based Care – Highly collaborative, multidisciplinary approach across cardiac specialties Access to Transplant – One of the world’s leading heart and multi-organ transplant programs Why Vanderbilt Health Day One Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits begin immediately Tennessee’s #1 hospital and a nationally ranked academic medical center One of the nation’s largest and most experienced transplant programs Culture of excellence, innovation, teaching, and professional development

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