Exercise Physiologist - Inpatient, Neuro, Atrium Health Cabarrus, FT Days

Atrium Health; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Exercise Specialist to enhance patient care through tailored mobilization and exercise programs. This role emphasizes collaboration with healthcare professionals and families to ensure comprehensive patient support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background in Health/Fitness, ideally with a focus on Exercise Physiology, and relevant certifications. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will directly impact patient recovery and well-being in a supportive and professional environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Health/Fitness required; prefer Exercise Physiology degree.
• Exercise Specialist certified by ACSM or eligible to test.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements patient mobilization and exercise programs.
• Monitors patient's performance and adjusts plans as needed.
• Documents treatment notes and communicates with nursing staff.

Skills

Exercise assessment and programming

Group and individual instruction

Exercise prescription

Counseling on healthy lifestyles

Medical terminology

Patient mobilization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Health/Fitness

Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Assess, plan and direct patient mobilization and exercise programs in an inpatient setting. Works closely with other disciplines and specialties within the department and facility as well as patients and families to assure a cohesive approach to patient care

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in a Health/Fitness field required; prefer Exercise Physiology degree. Master’s Degree preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: Exercise Specialist certified by the American College of Sports Medicine or eligible to test for the same. ACSM-CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) or ACSM EP-C certification preferred. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) from AHA required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develops, implements, and performs patient mobilization and exercise programs

Assesses the patient for contraindications and readiness for mobilization and exercise by reviewing the medical record

Coordinates care with nursing or therapy services as appropriate

Explains the role of mobilization to patient/family, verifies the order, and confirms patient identity

Performs mobilization of patient and aids in adaptive positioning to maximize safety and performance.

Monitors patient's performance and tolerance to mobility and exercise program. Adjusts plan as medically indicated.

Assess and measure for appropriate durable medical equipment.

Documents daily treatment notes and patient/family education.

Notifies nursing or provider of changes in the patient’s condition, performance, and response to treatment

Communicates patient's status to nursing, clinical staff, therapy services, nurse manager, or operations manager.

Coordinate care with patient's schedule and treatment

Responds to emergency situations in a professional and prompt manner.

In coordination with related staff may also cross train.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in exercise assessment and programming for healthy and diseased populations, group and individual instruction, exercise prescription, and counseling on healthy lifestyles.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• 2 years appropriate experience preferred.
• Hearing (corrected) adequate for oral/aural communication with patients, staff, family, visitors, etc.
• Vision (corrected) adequate for reading.
• Intelligible speech and adequate language/cognitive skills to perform job duties.
• Must be able to push patients in a wheelchair or stretcher.
• Must be able to transfer patients.
• Must be able to demonstrate any appropriate exercise and activities to patients/caregivers.
• Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids.