What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cardiac Rehab Specialist II - UI Heart and Vascular Center position at The University of Iowa?
The UI Heart and Vascular Center is seeking a full-time (100%) Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist II to provide exercise assessment, patient education, and supervision of stress tests (treadmill EKG, exercise stress echocardiograms and nuclear stress tests) based on advanced EKG interpretation utilized for rhythm and ischemic changes and physiologic response to aerobic and strength training in a cardiac rehabilitation setting and stress testing environment. This position will provide cross-coverage at both the Iowa River Landing (IRL) and UI Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). This position may be assigned an on-call rotation/assignment that includes weekends and holidays.
We are the best heart hospital in Iowa
UI Heart & Vascular Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital in the state for cardiology and heart surgery patient care. The best hospitals nationally received this rating based on patient outcomes, number of high-risk patients seen, patient experience, advanced clinical technologies, and more.
Position Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, manage, and determine maximal or sub-maximal functional capacity within cardiac ischemic threshold for high-risk inpatients.
- Determine patient return-to-work status and ability to resume daily living, sport, and sexual activities.
- Chart assessment findings and interpretations (inpatients and outpatients) prior to implementing exercise plan, document continued care plan post-implementation.
- Identify real or potential cardiovascular complications prior to, during, or following exercise, and determine the necessity for medical and emergency intervention as well as modification of exercise intensity, duration, and target heart rate.
- Perform symptom-limited and maximal graded exercise testing (inpatients and outpatients), 6-miunute walk tests and return-to-work evaluations.
- Develop and manage at-home and return-to-work exercise plan(s) for high-risk, discharged patients. Prepare individualized patient education regarding risk factor status and modification plans.
- Educate patients about coronary artery disese risk factors; counsel patients in smoking cessation.
- Communicate with attending Cardiologists, Surgeons, Residents/Fellows, Advanced Practice Providers and other Health Care staff to plan care and determine medical management. Prepare Primary Care Provider and specialists reports.
- Train Family Practice Residents and Cardiology Fellows how to prescribe exercise for cardiac patients; serve as Teaching Assistant for departmental students and interns.
- Exercises high-risk patients with VADs (Ventricular Assist Devices) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Exercise may be performed in areas other than unit where patient is housed.
- Responsible for establishing, building and maintaining collaborative and positive working relationships across departments, units, and organizations within a multi-disciplinary, team environment.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology (Exercise Science or Health Promotion Track) required. Master’s degree in related field preferred.
- Completion of formal cardiac rehab internship by employment start date.
Experience Requirement
- Minimum 1 year previous exercise assessment, patient education, and supervision of stress tests for high-risk cardiac patients.
- ECG interpretation skills must be 12-lead ECG interpretation and must be at an intermediate to advanced level.
- Proven ability to collaborate, problem-solve and utilize effective critical-thinking skills within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills with patients/families, nursing staff and other multi-disciplinary team members.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet University’s Fleet Safety Program.
Certification/Licensure Requirement
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is required by employment start date.
- Current certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is required by employment start date.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in related field.
- Some knowledge of University policies and procedures.
- Experience working in an academic medical setting.
- Previous use of EPIC.
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Kelli Ballard at kelli-ballard@uiowa.edu or 319-467-6019.
