Exercise Physiologist - Critical Care, CMC

Atrium Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Carolinas Medical Center, part of Atrium Health, seeks an Exercise Physiologist to support critically ill patients in a multidisciplinary critical care rehabilitation program. You will evaluate cardiac patients, design exercise plans, and educate patients and families to promote recovery and independence throughout inpatient rehab.

Collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other staff to tailor progression and ensure safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology.
• Ability to evaluate and treat cardiac patients in inpatient/outpatient rehab.
• BLS certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and treat cardiac patients in inpatient and outpatient rehab.
• Plan and modify exercise prescriptions based on patient status.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and therapists to progress rehab programs.
• Educate patients and families on exercise and risk reduction.
• Assist in program development and potential mentor roles.

Skills

Cardiac rehab

Exercise prescription

Team collaboration

Patient education

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology

Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology

Job description

Join the Critical Care Rehabilitation team at Carolinas Medical Center, a nationally recognized tertiary care and Level I Trauma Center serving patients with complex medical and surgical conditions. This interdisciplinary team provides early mobility and rehabilitation services across intensive care units, working collaboratively with physicians, nursing, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and respiratory therapists to optimize patient recovery and functional outcomes. As an Exercise Physiologist, you will support critically ill patients through mobility progression, exercise interventions, patient education, and collaborative care planning, helping patients regain strength, endurance, and independence throughout their inpatient recovery journey.

Job Description

Responsible for the evaluation and treatment of cardiac patients through all phases of rehabilitation, (which includes inpatient and outpatient) upon the referral of the physician.

Major Responsibilities

• Interprets physiological data from stress tests for determination of individualized exercise prescription. Plans and implements treatment programs based upon patient evaluation. Modifies exercise prescription based on cardiac symptomatology, signs and symptoms of exercise intolerance, or musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and/or accessory medical problems.
• Works with physicians to determine program eligibility, progress, and timing of progression to unmonitored home program or Phase III participation.
• Establishes and presents a coordinated health education program for patients on exercise and risk factor reduction. Participates in family and patient conferences as necessary and works closely with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, physician assistants, and medical staff regarding patient physical status and rehabilitation program.
• Promotes referral to rehabilitation program by developing a sound working relationship with referral sources - physicians and nurses.
• Places electrodes on patient for various cardiac monitors and tests.
• Counsels patient in home activity and exercise programs and purchase of exercise equipment.
• Assists in the resolution of cardiac emergencies or symptoms of exercise intolerance. Assists the in-program planning and implementation.
• May serve as a mentor for staff working for certification by American College of Sports Medicine in Exercise Technologist or Specialist category. Serves as a hospital consultant in area of exercise physiology. Participates in appropriate professional organizations for personal development.
• Assists in monitoring outpatient cardiac rehabilitation exercise groups.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Must be able to make independent decisions and be able to deal with complex clinical situations as presented by many cardiac patients.
• Good communication skills and effective team functioning is required.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders at various times in each workday.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead.
• lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must be able to use hands with fine manipulation when using computer keyboard and testing equipment.
• Must have functional vision, speech, and hearing.
• Potential for exposure to mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards and therefore must be able to take precautions and wear protective clothing as necessary.
• May be exposed to blood or body fluids and thus appropriate protective clothing must be worn as necessary (gloves, mask, etc.).

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.