Working as an Exercise Specialist you will assist with Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (Phases I, II and III) including exercise leadership and education.  Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science or related field required. 

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Current CPR certification required.
• Certified through ACSM as an Exercise Specialist preferred.
• ACLS preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in exercise program planning, supervision, and counseling with cardiovascular and pulmonary patients. 

 Yearly Credentialing to Maintain Current Track:

1. Attends all Joint Commission, OSHA, and hospital/nurse manager specified mandatory in-services.
2. Validates competencies and obtains credentials as identified in unit specific requirements.
3. Minimum four contact hours of specialty, nurse manager approved, in-services within last 12 months (does not include Joint Commission mandatory in-services).
4. Completion of annual self-evaluation at time of performance appraisal.
5. Submit sufficient documentation to validate current Clinical Ladder status to the nurse manager at annual performance appraisal.
6. Meets credit range for Clinical Ladder Levels as follows (12 months experience as an Exercise Specialist is required in order to apply for promotion in the clinical ladder):

Exercise Specialist I: Exercise Specialist who achieves a range of 1-9 credits on the Clinical Ladder Behavior Grid

1. Assist inpatients with activity progression as ordered. Collaborates with RNs regarding adverse patient response to activity.

2. Provides education regarding risk factor modification and home exercise activity guidelines to both inpatients and outpatients.

3. Performs initial outpatient evaluation to assess cardiac risk factors, assess patient’s current exercise capacity and develops exercise prescriptions in collaboration with Exercise Physiologist or RN.

4. Collaborates with patients to develop exercise plan and personal risk factor management goals related to disease process. Re-evaluates goals and plan based on changes in patient's status.

5. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.

• • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.

• • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.

• • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

6. Assists with Phase II and III outpatient exercise classes as needed, including taking blood pressures, assisting with patients in setting exercise equipment, monitoring patient safety while exercising and interacting with patients in the exercise area.

7. Provides ongoing reassessment of patients’ exercise capacity and updating exercise prescriptions in collaboration with Exercise Physiologist or RN.

8. Evaluate patients’ physical barriers/needs related to exercise and provide guidance for alternative exercise options to improve patients’ physical functions and exercise capacity.

9. Collaborates with RN regarding patients’ medical issues.

10. Watches telemetry monitors as needed during exercise sessions, notifying nursing personnel of any changes in patient rhythm.

11. Provides guidance for home exercise program and selection of home exercise equipment.

12. Assists with emergency care according to department policy.

13. Participates in the development of special projects and new programs sponsored by the department.

14. Participates in professional continuing education.

15. Supervises and educates student interns.

16. Maintains effective communication with patient, family members, physicians, hospital staff and the public.

17. Monitors cleanliness and maintenance of equipment and reports and deficiencies.

18. Participates in community health screenings and educational events.

19. Participates in QI activities of the department as needed.

20. Helps coordinate and promote the transition of patients to the Phase III program.

21. Adheres to behavioral standards.

22. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.