Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Lehigh Valley Hospital; Hellertown (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Valley Health Network seeks a Cardiopulmonary Stress Testing Supervisor to oversee inpatient/outpatient stress testing and to assess cardiovascular effects of exercise in high-risk patients. You will collaborate with physicians and the health care team to deliver high-quality diagnostic testing and intervention.

The role requires a Master's in Exercise Science/Physiology, ACSL/S, CCRP certification within PA, and strong critical thinking to interpret ECGs and ensure patient safety during

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology required.
• Strong knowledge of cardiac A&P and hemodynamic response to exercise.
• Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and recognize arrhythmias.
• ACLS and BLS certifications required or on hire.
• CCRP certification within PA timeframe is expected.

Responsibilities

• Determines appropriate stress exercise protocol for patient based on medical history and evaluation.
• Communicates with physician regarding test appropriateness or changes in patient condition.
• Prepares patient for testing with proper explanations and lead placement.
• Supervises stress testing procedures (treadmill, nuclear, pharmacological, echo) with clinical judgment.
• Evaluates patient responses and integrates data into final physician report.
• Provides education on exercise and lifestyle modification.
• Onboards and mentors new staff and interns.

Skills

Critical thinking

Multitasking

Communication with physicians

Teaching patients

Working under stress

Education

Master's Degree in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology

ACLS

BLS

CCRP Certification

Tools

ECG interpretation equipment

PC software

Job description

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.

Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Summary

Supervises and oversees the performance of inpatient and/or outpatient stress testing or exercise and physical fitness testing in lieu of physician presence. Assesses the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise on the cardiac and/or high-risk patient population. Collaborates with physicians and other health care team members to deliver a high-quality diagnostic test/intervention.

Job Duties

• Determines appropriate stress exercise protocol for patient based on medical history, patient evaluation, resting EKG, and indication for test/intervention.
• Recognizes indications and contraindications for stress testing/intervention.
• Communicates with Physician if questions or discussion regarding stress type ordered, intervention appropriateness or changes in patient condition warrants.
• Prepares patient for testing/intervention, including explanation and proof of patient understanding and proper lead placement.
• Supervises patient during inpatient and/or outpatient stress testing/intervention (Treadmill Exercise Stress, Nuclear Exercise, Nuclear Pharmacological, Stress Echocardiography, and/or Graded-progressive cardio-pulm exercise) using critical judgment skills and monitor patient for inappropriate responses based on indications for and limitations to stress testing/intervention to achieve a high-quality outcome
• Evaluates patient's anatomy and physiology, hemodynamic, and vital sign response during testing/intervention and detects any abnormal responses including BP and arrhythmia response.
• Recognizes end-points for testing and/or end-point for treatment session.
• Integrates exercise testing data into documentation for final report interpretation by Physician.
• Recognizes appropriateness for physician presence during stress testing/intervention.
• Performs holter monitor scan analysis, as needed.
• Participates and supports the supervision and onboarding of new employees and student interns.
• Provides education on exercise, health and lifestyle modification, as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology
• Strong knowledge of cardiac A&P and hemodynamic response to exercise with understanding of end points for testing/intervention
• Strong knowledge base of cardiac exercise protocols and ability to select most appropriate for patient stress testing/intervention.
• Strong knowledge of cardiac rhythms and arrhythmia recognition.
• Critical thinking and judgment skills with the ability to evaluate patient response to exercise during testing/intervention.
• Ability to multitask and work well under stress and in an emergency situation.
• Ability to work interdependently.
• Ability to use pc software programs.
• Ability to develop an individualized exercise prescription for cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular patients based on clinical results of assessment and/or exercise stress test
• Ability to evaluate the patient's responses to exercise conditioning.
• Demonstrates strong educational teaching abilities for patient education, both individual and group as indicated
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of cardiac risk factors and lifestyle modifications
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - State of Pennsylvania
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire
• ACSM-Cert Tr-Exer Spec-Hlth-Fit Inst-Exer Phys - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year or
• CCRP-Cert Cardiac Rehab Professional AACPRPCC - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical internship in diagnostic stress testing (diseased population) and
• Basic and advanced ECG courses with the performance of a 12-lead ECG evaluation and dysrhythmia recognition
• 1 year cardiovascular stress testing experience or
• 1 year cardiopulmonary rehab experience

Physical Demands

Lift and carry 25 lbs. frequent sitt