Cardiac Rehab Therapist

The Cardiac Rehab Therapist assists with the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of a Cardiac Rehabilitative plan of care for patients in three phases of the CR Program. The CR Therapist is responsible for providing exercise and activity progression, teaching and psychological support to the CR patients under general supervision of the CR Manager. The CR Therapist must possess the competencies needed to guide interventions and effect favorably the modification of coronary artery risk factors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S):

• A Bachelor’s Degree in exercise physiology, physical therapy, or a related field is required. Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Certification, experience and training equivalent to that specific for an exercise specialist by ACSM is preferred. 
• Minimum three month internship in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program is required.
• Experience in exercise program planning, supervision, and counseling with cardiovascular rehabilitation patients is highly desirable. Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of exercise and health physiology, nutrition, cardiovascular diseases, as well as medical and educational strategies for coronary artery disease risk factor management are needed. 
• Must be ACLS certified.    

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

• Supervises, monitors and documents the adult and geriatric Cardiac Rehabilitation patient’s activity tolerance during exercise sessions.
• Maintains current knowledge and skills necessary to perform competently in the adult and geriatric population that Cardiac Rehabilitation serves.
• Identifies and provides for educational needs of the adult and geriatric Cardiac Rehabilitation patient and family members.
• Monitors heart rate, blood pressure and telemetry rhythm during exercise sessions, directing patient to maintain prescribed target heart rate level.
• Directs exercise sessions and assists patients with exercise routine as needed within department protocols.
• Progresses activity level utilizing established guidelines based on patient’s tolerance and Borg scale RPE level.
• Evaluates patient’s response to exercise and takes appropriate action.
• Documents activity tolerance on exercise record.
• Instructs patients and family about CAD process, risk factor modification, cardiac prudent diet, activity and exercise, medications and symptom recognition. Explains Phase 2 outpatient program.
• Evaluates and documents patient’s/family’s response to teaching.
• Documents teaching in progress notes and on patient outcomes.
• Offers emotional support to Cardiac Rehabilitation patients and their families.
• Assesses patient’s psychological adjustment to illness, provides encouragement and support to accept diagnosis and necessary lifestyle changes.
• Reports problems to program manager or registered nurse in charge as needed
• Assists with the assessment of new patients entering Phase 1 of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
• Reviews patient’s medical record thoroughly to obtain medical history.
• Secures medical records and reports for patient’s chart.
• Interviews patient and/or family to obtain additional information relative to the assessment of rehabilitation needs and formulates rehabilitative plan.
• Discusses any problems or special needs with program coordinator or charge nurse.
• Maintains organized and accurate records.
• Progress notes are concise, accurate and reflect proper documentation of patient’s progress.
• Completes daily charge sheets accurately and submits for billing.
• Assists in maintaining patient files and logbooks in proper order.
• Maintains updated continuing education records.
• Performs emergency procedures when needed according to ACLS guidelines.
• Assists with orientation of students and new employees
• Maintains inventory and ensures stock levels are appropriate

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range:  $21.22-30.77     /hour                   Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.