Job Description

The Exercise Physiologist in the outpatient rehab setting works as an integral part of the staff to manage functional improvements in the patient’s recovery process, as well as challenging the maintenance participants to sustain an optimal volume of exercise to promote well-being. Exercise physiologist is also a valuable teaching resource and contributes to the overall functioning of the department.

I. Standards of Care (as evidenced by documentation):

Standards of Care represent professional cognitive process along the health care continuum. Examples would include the admission process, teaching, discharge process, assignments, frequency of assessment and documentation.

A. Assessment: Demonstrates clinical skills necessary for pertinent and accurate data collection.

1. Performs an assessment of the patient’s health status appropriate to the patient’s presenting problems, potential problems and age related needs.
2. The data collection process is systematic and ongoing.
3. Delegates and supervises data collection of other team members.
4. Documents relevant data in patient record utilizing appropriate forms and flow records.

B. Outcome Determination: Patient expected outcomes are identified that relate to the rehab process, lifestyle modification and restoration of functional capacity.

1. Outcomes are mutually formulated with the patient when possible and written in measurable terms.
2. Considers patient’s capabilities and formulates outcomes that are realistic and attainable.
3. Outcomes include a time estimate for completion.

C. Planning: An individualized plan of care is developed including interventions to attain expected outcomes.

1. Assessment data is used to develop a plan of care consistent with therapy prescribed by medical practitioner and standards of care.
2. Plan of care is developed and initiated with patient, family and other health team members when appropriate.
3. Plan of care is reviewed and prioritized at specific intervals and changes are made with the input of other health team members.
4. Plan of care is documented in the patient care record reflective of collaborative practice with other health team members as needed.
5. Discharge planning is ongoing and is updated with input from other health team members.

D. Implementation: Implements plan of care and interventions to provide quality care based on assessed needs, established standards of care and according to policy and procedures.

1. Response to emergency and other situations requiring immediate attention is accurate, precise and skilled within parameters and licensure set forth by institution policy showing flexibility to respond to changing direction of workload. Remains calm in emergency situations.
2. Interventions are consistent with the established plan of care.
3. Implements the plan of care in an organized and efficient manner.
4. Safety/security needs of patients are provided by maintaining communication system, equipment and restraints per policy and procedure.

F. Evaluation: Continuously evaluates and documents the patient’s progress toward attainment of expected outcomes.

1. Patient care record is reflective of patient’s response to interventions with emphasis on outcomes.
2. Patient care interventions are reviewed for effectiveness and plan of care is modified as required due to changing patient needs.
3. Patient and other health team members are involved in evaluation process when appropriate.
4. Follow up on patient care needs from previous shifts is completed to ensure continuity of care.

II. Standards of Professional Practice:

A. Process Improvement

1. Demonstrates knowledge of unit / department quality improvement program or process.
2. Participates in unit / department program when appropriate.
3. Recognizes and shares opportunities for data collection that are pertinent.

B. Performance Appraisal: Recognizes strengths and areas needing improvement in own practice and in peers.

1. Utilizes Professional Standard Practices as well as institution policy in performance evaluation of self and others.
2. The exercise specialist openly accepts feedback regarding own practice.
3. Participates in setting goals during appraisal and follows through on action plan to achieve goals.

C. Education: Maintains current knowledge and competency in basic exercise physiology, concepts of behavior change and related specialty.

1. Utilizes learning opportunities for self improvement.
2. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development.
3. Seeks knowledge appropriate to practice setting.

D. Collegiality: Contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues and others.

1. Shares information gained through workshops or in-services.
2. Provides feedback concerning practice to peers and others.
3. Promotes a learning environment for students and new staff.

E. Ethics: Practice is guided by institution code of ethics.

1. Maintains patient confidentiality.
2. The rights of the patient are respected. Each patient is recognized as an individual with unique and personal health needs.
3. Acts as patient advocate preserving autonomy and dignity.
4. Seeks resources to assist in ethical decisions.

F. Collaboration: Supports and fosters a working relationship between patient, significant others and health care providers to provide quality care.

1. Communicates and consults with physicians and other health care providers regarding patient needs to achieve expected outcomes.
2. Recognizes need for multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Actively promotes collaboration between disciplines by making appropriate referrals as needed

G. Research: Utilizes research findings to guide practice.

1. Research from current allied health literature is applied to interventions for plan of care.
2. Participates in research activities related to field of practice when appropriate.

H. Resource Utilization: Considers factors related to cost and effective outcomes when planning patient care.

1. Maintains cost effective use of staff and supplies.
2. Evaluates interventions for cost and effectiveness when more than one intervention could be used in plan of care.

III. Other Professional Responsibilities

A. Assignment: Refers to the shift of an activity or task from one person to another. In this action responsibility and accountability are relieved.

B. Supervision and Delegation: The initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, and observation and evaluation. The exercise physiologist delegating the task to another person must evaluate and document, on an ongoing basis, the needs of the client, the performance of the person, the need for further instruction, and the need to withdraw delegation when appropriate.

Patient Contact

Evidence exists that The Christ Hospital staff considers the special needs and behaviors of the specific patient populations served. Evidence also exists that shows the staff demonstrates those competencies that address the unique characteristics related to developmental, physical, psychosocial, mental, emotional, and social needs of patients across the life span. Employees should also be able to demonstrate those competencies that address the needs of patients with unique cultural norms, religious preferences, language/communication barriers and/or literacy limitations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Maintains above average knowledge of anatomy and physiology with particular emphasis on cardiac and muscle physiology/pathophysiology. Maintains good knowledge of frequently used cardiac medications and drug classes. Demonstrates skill in use of various aerobic exercise equipment and strength training pieces.

EDUCATION: Bachelors degree in exercise science, health education or related curriculum at a minimum.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: None required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: The exercise specialist is able to prescribe exercise volume to clinically diverse populations, but focusing on aging individuals. Demonstrates the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide culturally specific patient care and education. Effectively communicates with peers, utilizes appropriate channels of communication and maintains confidentiality. Demonstrates evidence of continuing professional growth. Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change. Demonstrates ability to work in a culturally diverse setting. Good skills in cardiac arrhythmia recognition. Moderate windows-based computer skills is desirable.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

BCLS certification required prior to patient contact.. ACLS will be obtained within 4 months of employment if not already received. ACSM certification preferred.