Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

To plan, design, implement and evaluate the exercise prescription for each adult-sized adolescent, adult and older adult participating in the Pulmonary Wellness and Rehabilitation program through application of ACSM and AACVPR guidelines. To plan, implement and evaluate the educational sessions relative to exercise and risk factor management. To assist with the referral process and to complete the interview/intake sessions. To collaborate with other Pulmonary Wellness and Rehabilitation staff and the program Medical Director in monitoring the patient's progress toward desired patient outcomes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Respiratory Care and within established Catholic Medical Center and departmental policies and procedures, the Exercise Specialist performs the following functions and services:

Essential Functions:

1. Patient Assessment

a. Assesses each program participant for their level of physical activity tolerance.

b. Demonstrates an understanding of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and identifies common conditions limiting or otherwise influencing the prescription of physical activity.

c. Reviews patient/client records regarding medical/health history and risk factors, including diagnoses and therapeutic course.

d. Obtains information from the interview/intake records regarding the patient/client’s activities of daily living, exercise/recreational/activity patterns, and their employment history. Refers to the Medical Director and/or the primary care physician for guidance if necessary.

2. Planning Patient Care

a. Develops a Plan of Care relative to increasing exercise endurance based on a thorough assessment of physical activity tolerance.

b. Determines physical activity tolerance based upon the documentation on the interview/intake personal data form(s).

c. Writes individual exercise prescriptions for all program participants. Refers to policies and ACSM/AACVPR guidelines when necessary.

3. Implementing the Plan of Care

a. Implements the Plan of Care for improving the physical activity level for each participant.

b. Conducts an exercise program which is appropriate for a pulmonary-compromised population which will include, but not be limited to: warm-up, stretching, range of motion, pulmonary conditioning, strength training (if applicable) and cool down activities.

c. Develops modified exercise programs to accommodate individual patient needs and limitations.

d. Demonstrates the ability to work in collaboration with the patient, physician, respiratory care practitioner, dietitian and/or other health professionals toward implementation of the plan of care.

e. Demonstrates competence in communicating and documenting the delivery of information/education to the patient, family and/or significant other on an individual basis or in a group session.

f. Demonstrates competent instruction and counseling techniques using a variety of methods, strategies, materials, technologies helpful in promoting education relative to diseased processes and physical activity.

4. Evaluating the Plan of Care

a. Evaluates the Plan of Care, documenting the patient/client response to exercise as well as adherence/non-adherence to the prescribed protocols and lifestyle recommendations.

b. Evaluates the performance of each exercise session by reviewing each participant in the exercise sessions, their exercise prescription, and documentation of their exercise tolerance and progress.

c. Demonstrates knowledge of when the patient/client should not exercise as evident by changes in their mental or physical status. Communicates this information to the Medical Director.

d. Documents in a timely and accurate manner any clinical findings that require medical follow-up for patient safety and treatment success.

e. Demonstrates the ability to adjust the plan of care to accommodate the individual patient needs and limitations.

f. Completes patient Progress Letter describing patient/client exercise and physical activity outcomes from participation in the rehabilitation or maintenance phase programs.

5. Professional and Leadership

a. Demonstrates competence in leading, monitoring, and/or supervising a wide range of individual and group therapeutic exercise sessions appropriate to patients/clients who represent the full range of risk strata.

b. Develops a teaching plan/strategy for the provision of pulmonary education appropriate to patients/clients who represent the full range of risk strata.

c. Demonstrates critical thinking skills in practice related to area of specialty and frequently transfers that ability to less familiar areas of practice.

d. Exhibits a professional approach/demeanor and completes assignments with professional accountability.

e. Functions as a preceptor for healthcare students and new staff as needed.

6. Safety and Organization of Unit

a. Demonstrates understanding of appropriate use of all unit equipment.

b. Reports faulty equipment to appropriate personnel.

c. Maintains a physical environment clean and free of clutter.

d. Adheres to hospital safety standards, policies and practices, and takes action to correct hazards.

e. Checks emergency equipment according to protocol.

f. Participates in QA activities, i.e. collects data, develops or revises tools, analyzes data.

g. Participates in staff meetings to discuss problems, needs, concerns and interventions as they pertain to the work setting.

h. Participates in community events as may be sponsored by the Program.

i. Identifies the need for new or revised policies and procedures.

j. Attends required annual in-services.

k. Maintains current and updated qualifications/certifications according to departmental requirements.

l. Participates in department-based committees. May also sit on hospital committees.

m. Participates in appropriate role in disasters, fire drills, fire and other situations.

n. Seeks and accepts other responsibilities as work is completed.

o. Performs similar or related duties as assigned or requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices to safely perform the essential functions of the job:

1. Ability to deliver patient care in a manner that is appropriate to the demographics and/ or specific needs of the patient population served by the Program.

2. Demonstrates proficiency in assessing, responding and adapting treatment of care to meet the needs of the patient population served.

3. Ability to exert up to 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Strength Factor: M-Medium Work)

4. Ability to demonstrate courtesy, compassion and respect in relating to patients, families, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.

5. Ability to communicate effectively and establish a cooperative, collaborative working environment.

6. Ability to accept constructive feedback and initiate appropriate actions to correct situations.

7. Ability to perform all activities outlined in the program specific orientation guidelines.

8. Willingness to identify and take action toward meeting own learning needs.

9. Ability to endure temporary periods of heavy workload or excessive stress.

10. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.

11. Familiarity with continuous quality improvement strategies.

12. Ability to travel to meetings and conferences, which are held off-site.

WORK SCHEDULE: Primarily assigned to work 8-hour shifts. May be required to be on call, work overtime and work holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

1. Equivalency of at least 6 months experience in clinical pulmonary and/or cardiac rehabilitation.

Licensure/Certification:

1. Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Physical Education.
Maintains current BLS credential meeting AHA Healthcare Provider standard.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Manchester, NH 03102: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• BLS Certification (Required)

Work Location: One location

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