SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The exercise physiologist plans, implements and modifies the exercise program for individual participants. In addition, evaluates responses to promote safe exercise conditioning. Provides education. Effectively interacts and communicates with participants. Duties are performed in a manner which demonstrates the philosophy, mission and values of BSMH.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science or Master of Science or Arts in Exercise Physiology.
BCLS and ACLS certification.
ACSM certification as an Exercise Specialist is preferred but not required.
EXPERIENCE:
Previous experience or completion of a clinical internship.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Descriptor 4: In depth knowledge of specialized field
· Basic and advanced cardiac arrhythmias for ECG interpretation.
· Exercise equipment and function.
· Blood pressure monitoring and response during exercise.
· Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
· Manual dexterity required needed for operating equipment and demonstration of exercise.
Descriptor 3: Assignments often diverse
· Makes decisions based on policy and/or consultation with co-workers.
· In directing exercise session, requires judgment in selection of alternate courses of action.
· Must be able to adopt standard principles to new or changed conditions.
· Solutions are generally based on past precedent with some risk taking involved.
Descriptor 3: Influences work area
· Provides information regularly to decision making process.
· Exercise prescription implementation can result in potentially life-threatening consequences.
· The exercise physiologist is accountable for modification and adaptation of untoward response
during exercise therapy.
Descriptor 3: Interprets information
· Requires use of common courtesy.
· Has contact with employees, physicians, patients, families, and other professionals and individuals inside and outside of the HMHCS.
· Responsible for training and mentoring of exercise students during observation and/or internship.
PRINCIPAL JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Clinical Exercise Therapy:
a. Identifies and integrates all pertinent patient information.
b. Accurately prepares individualized exercise prescription based on clinical information and scientific exercise principles. Identifies appropriate risk stratification category.
c. Applies risk factor modification strategies for establishment of a healthy lifestyle for individuals with medical/physical limitations.
d. Demonstrates physical exercise stretches and educates on physiology of warm up/ cool down.
e. Appropriately guides client as an individual through exercise progression.
f. Closely monitors participants in recognition of abnormal physiologic Response during exercise. Record blood pressure measurements, Interpret and record ECG strips. Modify appropriated with any changes Using clinical judgment and according to department policy and Procedure.
g. Demonstrate to program participant’s proper technique safe and effective use of dynamic resistance equipment in providing comprehensive exercise program.
h. Recognize life-threatening arrhythmia; activate emergency med. system per policy of procedure.
Education
a. Elicits behavioral changes to instill a lifelong exercise habit.
b. Allay anxieties, positive encouragement throughout the individual, which may include families.
c. Collaborates with the nurse in development of home exercise program/discharge instructions based on clinical statutes, physician recommendations, and individual needs of clients.
3. Acts as Resource in area of expertise
a. Acts as a consultant within BSMH to share expertise and recommend solutions for complex activity issues on an interdisciplinary basis.
Participate in community activities when called upon.
Participates in learning experiences for students/interns as well as research activities
