Exercise Physiologist-PN

Job Summary

Position provides evaluation, coordination, and exercise educational planning of the Cardiac/ Pulmonary/Vascular Rehab patient in an outpatient setting. Position focuses on risk reduction and behavior intervention and modification. Assist in all new patient evaluation and orientation and follow-up including graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, body composition analysis, pulmonary function, lipid analysis, and exercise session explanation. Assist in supervision of the exercise sessions including exercise prescription upgrades as necessary. Assist in patient record keeping, patient attendance, patient progress notes, and posting of charges.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Certified in Basic Life Support or certified within 3 months of employment in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 
Required Training: Possess advanced knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk-factor and behavior modification strategies as related to Cardiovascular Rehabilitative Services. Advanced knowledge in ECG interpretation during exercise with and without drug therapy implications.
 

Essential Functions

• Maintains a positive attitude in an environment of constant change. Has contact by phone, correspondence, or personal meetings with persons in other departments or outside the practice; tact is required in these contacts and the employee assumes the responsibility for harmonious relationships.
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner and communicates effectively with patients, families, visitors and fellow healthcare team members.
• Utilizes channels of communication according to hospital policy and directs questions and problems to the appropriate persons in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates the following:    
  • Appropriate communication of information to all ages.
    • Adolescent – 13 years through 17 years
    • Adult – 18 years through 65 years
    • Geriatric – Over 65 years
  • Responsiveness to all patients and office staff requests and needs.     
  • Performance of duties assigned by authorized personnel or as required in an emergency, i.e., fire or disaster
• Demonstrates behaviors which serve to uphold the mission and enhance the image of Lexington Medical Center.  Abides by Code of Conduct.  Respects patient “Bill of Rights”.
• Daily interactions between patients and physicians to facilitate ongoing quality care in office and over the telephone.
• Utilizes time effectively to prioritize workload to best meet patient care and departmental needs when completing assignments.
• Greets and screens patients, determines the appropriateness of exam, and obtains proper consent.
• Preps patient to include medical history, vital signs assessment, IV insertion, and EKG lead placement.
• Ensures that a complete and thorough clinical history is taken prior to the study and all information, including dictation, is completed as soon as practically possible.
• Properly documents results from stress test and ensures appropriate follow-thru on all paperwork issues.
• Supervises , monitors and assesses patients for possible signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to exercise or pharmacologic drugs.
• Assists in orientation of new employees and responsible for updating staff and patients to new trends in exercise physiology.
• Demonstrates ability to perform professional assistance, exercise observation and training, and comfort and safety measures that are appropriate to the following patient populations:        
  • Adults – 18 years thru 65 years
  • Geriatric – 65 +
• Maintains ACLS according to accreditation standards.
• Cleans and prepares patient care areas and equipment for the arrival of new patients.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Patient Care:
  • Exam Room – Preparation & Maintenance
  • Conduct Patient Interview 
  • Chaperone – Assist patients as needed
  • Assist/Perform minor procedures and tests
  • Assess (By telephone or in person
  • Implement Physician Orders
  • Patient Education
  • Results Reporting
  • Clinical Documentation
• Operation of and responsibility for equipment (including, but not limited to, routine maintenance, ordering of supplies, log sheets and cleaning).
  • Patient Care Equipment i.e. BP, Temperature, Scales, etc.
  • Specialized Equipment
    • Treadmill
    • Defibrillator
    • Holter Monitors
    • Cardiac Pacemakers
    • EKG
    • Oxygen Tanks
• Accurately and efficiently monitor, interpret, collect, and record patient data. 
• Participates in regular Quality Assurance Meetings.
• Adheres to NRC/State/ICANL/ACR guidelines for radiation safety and attends annual review.
• Assist the Cardiovascular Department and office physicians with specialized care in performing graded exercise studies.
• Works with other staff to ensure proper follow-up of abnormal; studies when applicable, i.e. calling report to referring physicians and reassuring patients and/or family members when necessary.
• Ensures ALL emergency equipment is working, crash cart drugs are not expired, defibrillator testing is completed and appropriate documentation is present and up-to-date.
• Electrophysiology transcription of in-house and remote clinics.  Documents pertinent patient care activities on the stress test data sheet.
• Assist Supervisor of Cardiovascular department in supporting objectives defined by the hospital and the department.
• Actively seek and integrate new knowledge to advance professional behavior and skills.
• In-service/Education:
  • Certification/Licensure
  • Competency
    • Department Orientation
    • Annual Training
• Log Sheets/ Audits:   
  • Pharmacy drugs
  • Mayday Equipment
  • Oxygen
• Instruments:
  • Stock Appropriately – Maintain Levels
  • Cleaning / Sterilization
  • Knowledge of and usage
  • Storage
• Provides Support and Guidance for Clinical Policies and Procedures
• Other:    
  • Precertification/Authorization
  • Coding
    • Office Procedures/ Complex Visits  
  • Clerical Support when necessary
• Willingness to rotate to affiliated LMC practices as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.