EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

About the Role

Working in conjunction with the Cardiology Service Leaders, Nurses, and Providers, the Exercise Physiologist assesses, plans, implements, and collaborates with other departments to ensure excellence in patient and family care, reflective of CCMH mission, vision, and values. The Exercise Physiologist integrates departmental goals for improvement across the care continuum and may coordinate patient care activities with other health care providers. The role practices within the framework of regulatory standards for quality management, including AACVPR, ACSM, National Patient Safety Goals, and American Association of Critical Care Standards.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and evaluates exercise programs for patients.
• Conducts testing that assesses cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise for cardiac and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, following appropriate testing protocols.
• Monitors patients during testing, calculates and records testing results.
• Coordinates with cross-functional patient care teams.
• Designs exercise prescriptions, instructional materials, home exercise guidelines, and discharge instructions as needed.
• Conducts exercise training sessions for patients.
• Facilitates physical assessment and appropriate exercise programs specific to cardiac and pulmonary patients.
• Develops and modifies individualized exercise treatment plans based on patient assessment, industry standards, and department policy.
• Implements the plan of care as part of the interdisciplinary team and evaluates progress toward desired outcomes.
• Educates patients and families on exercise programs and plans of care.
• Performs infection prevention practices for equipment between patients.
• Provides service excellence to all customers and demonstrates efficient time management and prioritization skills.
• Maintains professional standards related to clinical practice, staffing, and continuing education.
• Practices fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Actively participates in hospital committees, CQI teams, and the Quality Improvement Program.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment and adheres to CCMH policies and procedures.
• Complies with the hospital’s Corporate Compliance Program, including the Code of Conduct, laws, and regulations.
• May be required to work on other nursing units according to staffing and patient distribution.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Functions independently in respective home department and other departments within the service line.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology (Master’s preferred).
• Wyoming state license in Exercise Physiology.
• Required certifications: See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification Policy and Certifications/Education Requirements Policy (e.g., ACLS, PALS, CPI, CPR).
• Experience in critical care preferred.

Skills

• Ability to maintain continuing education requirements and certifications as needed to uphold professional licensure.
• Knowledge of and adherence to the ethical code of the respective discipline.
• Ability to assess a patient’s condition, formulate a plan of care, select appropriate interventions, and evaluate patient response.
• Strong communication skills to educate patients and families about conditions and recovery plans.
• Ability to develop positive interactions with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
• Proficiency in handling high-stress and emergency situations.
• Ability to multitask with frequent interruptions under stressful conditions.
• Analytical and reasoning skills with a high level of mental concentration and memory.
• Computer knowledge, including the ability to document in electronic records and operate standard office equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmental stages and ability to apply theories when planning and implementing care for adult (19-64) and geriatric (65+) patients.