Exercise Specialist

Job Description

The Exercise Specialist assesses cardiovascular and metabolic capacity, and develops, implements, and evaluates exercise programs for patients. Provides educational materials and conducts sessions for patients. Relies on education and training to complete responsibilities. Initially requires instruction and guidance to accomplish job which should develop into working under minimal supervision. May supervise and oversee the Exercise Physiology Tech.

Responsibilities

1. Program Development
1. Plans, implements, and evaluates rehabilitation programs for quality excellence and continuity of patient care. Serves as a unit clinician, educator, consultant, and researcher when participating in programs that educate the community, hospital staff, and patients. Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy lifestyle as a model for patients and community.
2. Assists with or institutes emergency measures of sudden, adverse patient developments in an effort to provide expedient care while maintaining high standards of quality health care services. Inspects and charts emergency supplies and equipment on a regular basis for proper functioning and adequate supply. Assists in the organization of emergency drills and participates in such on a routine basis.
3. Plans, leads, and evaluates education programs for patients and hospital staff members in area of expertise. Develops home exercise prescription and instructs patients in its application. Encourages patient toward independence in exercise activities with the primary goal of progression toward maximization of physical and emotional recovery.
4. Participates actively in continuous quality improvement and quality assurance studies in an effort to promote conformity with all hospital and divisional regulations and standards. Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed, striving to improve the quality of all meetings by taking an active role in meeting topics.

2. Patient Care
1. Assists in the initial assessment and orientation of the patient and assists in developing a plan of care with other team members. Prepares and adjusts individual exercise prescriptions on a regular basis in accordance with GXT, physician recommendations, patient conditions and symptoms. Documents initial assessment and daily patient information and progress in a timely and appropriate manner.
2. Organizes and supervises exercise sessions and tests. Performs exercises with patient, demonstrating correct body position and proper use of equipment in order to prevent injury. Instructs patient concerning benefits of specific prescribed exercise activities and in the importance of following established exercise prescription.
3. Measures, collects, and records patient data (e.g., vital signs), and records and reports any observed abnormalities or significant changes in patient status to appropriate personnel in a timely manner. Organizes and prepares patient reports to send to referring physicians in a timely manner. Communicates with physicians for matters of patient management and status changes. Maintains and updates patient charts in appropriate manner.

3. Equipment Maintenance and Inventory
1. Maintains exercise equipment by calibrating and servicing on a regular basis and orders and schedules equipment repair toward promoting the efficient and safe use of all hospital resources.
2. Maintains adequate inventory levels, including education literature, by submitting customized requisitions for supplies and equipment, verifies that orders are received and disbursed, and ensures that requisitions are properly filled.

4. Quality
1. Strives to promote the quality and efficiency of own performance through maintenance of current licensure, continued awareness of the latest trends in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, participation in job-relevant seminars and workshops, attendance at professional conferences, and affiliation with state and national professional organizations.
2. Observes and adheres to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, and follows all safety, quality assurance, and infection control standards. Maintains timeliness, efficiency of performance, appropriateness of behavior, and appropriateness of appearance. Strives to improve personal organizational skills, social skills, and leadership ability.

5. Other Duties
1. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology/Science or related field.
2. Current BLS Certification