PRN Stress Test Exercise Physiologist

JOB SUMMARY:

• Under the supervision of the Department Director and Supervisor, performs cardiac stress testing, exercise monitoring, and monitors patient response to exercise.
• Works with additional staff members of the medical center, including providers, to ensure patient safety during exercise sessions.

PRIMARY (ESSENTIAL) DUTIES:

• Provides patient testing and assessment before and after rehabilitation.
• Plans and teaches exercise therapy for patients utilizing test data, patient status and current medication regimen.
• Monitors patient's response and revises plan accordingly.
• Recognizes contraindications and abnormal patient responses to exercise.
• Responds appropriately to all situations including exercise cessation and referral to medical professionals.
• Provides exercise information for patients, peers and the community which may include public education classes.
• Assesses appropriateness of exercise through use of blood pressure measurement, EKG, and patient communication.
• Identifies and records signs/symptoms of exercise intolerance.
• Monitors patient's EKG via telemetry and adjusts workloads of exercise equipment to achieve prescribed, measurable physiologic responses.
• Administers and monitors graded exercise tests and recognizes difference between normal and abnormal exercise- related responses.
• Reviews patient history and screens for any contraindications to testing.
• Assesses heart and lung sounds, oversees proper prep and electrode placement and monitors 12 lead EKG during test.
• Documents all symptoms and changes, determines appropriate time to terminate test and communicates with provider.
• Recognize medical problems and report these to physician. Apply emergency protocols as needed.
• Assist with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
• Maintain stock levels of supplies. Call for maintenance and repair of equipment (in-house). Alert Director or Supervisor of equipment malfunction.
• Maintain department records (patient/other), reports, and files as required.
• Attend meetings as required. Consult with medical/nursing staff as needed or requested.
•  Processes equipment; clean, sterilize, and package as required.
• Maintain department in a neat, clean, orderly condition.
• Enhance professional growth and development through in-service meetings, educational programs, current literature, workshops, etc.
•  Able to do assigned duties in a timely manner and responds quickly when needed.
• Willing and able to expand clinical skills as necessary to accommodate Hospital and Cardiopulmonary growth.
• The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Work assignments are given per shift by the Department Director, Supervisor, or as delegated by the Department Director, Supervisor and are followed per department policy.

DEPARTMENT RELATIONSHIP:

• No staff is supervised. This position reports to the Department Director

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree required in Exercise Science or equivalent field of study within 3 months of hire

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• BLS for healthcare providers required prior to start date
• ACLS required with one year of hire date
• Certified as Exercise Physiologist under the American College of Sports Medicine required within 6 months of hire

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in a cardiac stress lab or cardiac rehab program preferred

PUBLIC CONTACT:

• A large amount of patient and public contact as well as physician contact. Must possess good patient relationship skill
• Demonstrates a commitment to the key values of Service to the Poor, Reverence, Integrity, Wisdom, Creativity and Dedication

GUEST RELATIONS:

• At all times consideration and attention will be given to patients, families and the general public with emphasis on treating each individual as being special and deserving of that consideration
• The Philosophy of the Medical Center is to be practiced thoroughly as an employee of the department

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Subject to hazards of flammable and explosive gases
• Lifting, pushing, pulling equipment
• Frequent prolonged standing and walking
• Assist patients with ambulation with use of appropriate body mechanics and equipment such as gait belt