DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Team provides services for patients who have had a heart attack, heart surgery or other cardiac event recover and reduce their risk of further heart problems.  Cardiac rehabilitation includes a combination of exercise, education and support.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist provides patient focused care to cardiac rehabilitation patients in a clinical setting as part of the health care team in accordance with St. Charles Health System policies and the medically prescribed Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Coordinates, evaluates, educates, assesses and monitors patients through the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. Reports progress and abnormal findings to physician. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Provides clinical support to the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program to include assessment, monitoring, intervention, multi-disciplinary education and coordination of the cardiopulmonary rehab patient’s care.
• Facilitates a multidisciplinary education program for the Cardiac Rehab Phase II patient through creation of educational materials and sessions for patients.
• Facilitates timely program admittance and participation for the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation patient in accordance with the goals of the physician and the St. Charles Health System cardiopulmonary program care mission.
• Identifies opportunities to contact inpatients and educate them and their families about Cardiac Rehabilitation.
• Monitors patient rhythms during exercise, identifies abnormal findings and performs appropriate interventions.
• Accurately obtains vitals, including SpO2 at rest and during exercise.  Able to determine when additional assessment is needed on a patient.
• Able to accurately perform blood glucose monitoring and responds appropriately to results.  Also takes proper care and maintenance of blood glucose monitoring machine.
• Knowledgeable of all aspects of the Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) to include proper monthly documentation and adherence to AACVPR and CMS guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge of all cardiac rehab exercise equipment, its proper use and care and effectively instructs patients in use of the equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Able to lead warm-up and cool-down sessions which incorporate strength, balance and relaxation.
• Completes all patient documentation, assessments and physician notifications according to department policies and procedures.
• Provides staffing support of the Community/Phase III Cardiac Rehab Program, also known as Community Gym.
• Assists in maintaining and adhering to all requirements for ACCVPR accreditation, Joint Commission and CMS requirements.
• Assists in following the clinical guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association for Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs.
• Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.
• Supports Value Improvement Practice (VIP- Lean) principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
• Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.
• Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
• Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.
• May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, other health related field OR a combination of education, training, and experience that would enable performance of the full scope of the position.

Preferred:

• Exercise Physiologist with specialized training in Cardiac Rehabilitation.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required:

• AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
  

Preferred:

• Current ACSM Licensure.
• Active status in the AACVPR.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Thorough knowledge/skills in the concepts of cardiovascular care and exercise physiology.
• Completion of 12 Lead EKG Training Course upon hire.

Preferred:

• Two years’ experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation Phase II care or equivalent experience.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.
• Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds.
• Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, reaching overhead, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.
• Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.
• Never (0%):  Climbing ladder/step-stool, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, operation of a motor vehicle.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

• Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.
• Never (0%):  Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

• Risk for Exposure to BBP