Exercise Physiologist jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Job Summary

 Responsible for the initial assessment, establishment of a plan of treatment for patients entering in to the cardiopulmonary rehab program or undergoing any form of non-invasive testing.  Assist the progression and monitoring of patient care per policy/procedure.  Provide education to patient and family as appropriate.  Provides staffing at multiple locations for non-invasive cardiology.

Essential Job Functions

• Performance of technical practice
  • Assures that emergency equipment is present and functional
  • Assists with obtaining and maintaining supplies and inventory in a cost-effective manner
  • Operates and is able to instruct patients on the operation of exercise equipment
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the Exercise Physiologist
  • Solves problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance from professional nurse/Manager as appropriate
  • Maintains accountability for actions taken
  • Effectively functions as a resource person
  • Act as a patient advocate
  • Performs effectively in the role of preceptor for new employees
  • Assists in maintaining/decreasing department costs
• Provides for patient safety in compliance with nursing and hospital policies
  • Utilizes two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care
  • Assumes appropriate code team role during emergency situations
  • Responds effectively during emergency situations
  • Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors and staff
• Conducts initial patient interview for Phase II and III, collecting and recording all pertinent information for the development of a plan of treatment.
  • Introduces self to patient and family.
  • Asks patient to state their name and date of birth and confirms by comparing to medical records acquired.
  • Gathers and documents the appropriate medical history.
  • Explains the program to the patient and answers any questions they may have.
  • Assigns the patient to a particular class time.
  • Discusses with the patient their insurance coverage, authorized visits and their responsibility for copay, etc., if needed.
  • Establishes, documents and gets agreement from the patient on the plan of treatment.
• Conducts the initial orientation to the facility and equipment and establishes the exercise plan for the initial visit.
  • Determines any musculoskeletal limitations along with comorbid conditions that might limit exercise tolerance.
  • Discuss exercise termination criteria such as chest pain, SOB, etc. and how to call for help.
  • Show the patient exits and bathroom location and orients patient to the use of all appropriate equipment as needed
  • Sees that patient is comfortable and steady before leaving them unattended on the equipment.
  • Reassesses patients tolerance visually the whole time patient is in the facility
• Assesses and records vital signs for each visit as determined by department policy and patients tolerance at predetermined intervals and as needed.
  • Records rhythm strips, BP, pulse oximetry and pulse.
  • Records symptoms, RPE and dyspnea.
  • Records any adverse response.
  • Records workloads and length of time on each piece of equipment.
• Reassesses patient throughout each session of exercise and at the outset of each subsequent visit ruling out any contraindication to exercise and setting the appropriate workloads.
  • Vital signs are taken and recorded at the start of each visit and evaluated against published criteria for exercise training. If exercise is contraindicated session is stopped.
  • Rates of progression are neither too slow or too aggressive and unsafe but follow recognized guidelines for patient progression.
  • Ensures a steady progression of exercise workloads are attained over time or a reason recorded as to why there is not.
• Exit interviews are conducted and a record of what patient plans to do for exercise after close of treatment is recorded.
  • Encourages patient to consider joining the maintenance program (Phase III) on site for continued support in establishing exercise as a life time habit.
  • Shares alternatives to joining Phase III when patient cannot.
  • Records what patient plans to do to continue exercise after Phase II.
• Provided the patient and family with the opportunity to learn both formally and informally about their medical condition and the lifestyle related factors that contribute to it.
  • Invited patient and family to Heart School
  • Encouraged patient and family to attend classes offered in the center
  • Provide written education materials when available to support or enhance what was taught in class or in person.
• Refers patient and family to support services when needed.
  • Referred to a registered dietitian as needed
  • Referred to social services or mental health as needed
  • Referred to the Office of Vocational Rehab as needed
• Conducts patient interview and identifies any contraindications to exercise or pharmacological stress testing. Prepares patient appropriately.
  • Accurately and efficiently completes patient history.
  • Starts IV if trained to do so and appropriately documents the gauge, date, time and site of insertion.
  • Explains the test and answers any questions the patient may have.
  • Conducts a brief overview of relevant patient history with the physician conducting the test.
• Accurately and efficiently prepares patient per protocol.
  • Properly prepares the skin for and attaches the electrodes and leads to the patient.
  • Collects vitals and runs 12 leads as indicated per protocol.
• Properly conducts the exercise portion of the test and terminates the test per protocol.
  • Runs 12 lead EKGs when indicated per protocol.
  • Takes BP readings as indicated per protocol.
  • Collects and record any other vitals as indicated per protocol.
  • Performs all the technical aspects of using the stress equipment without undue risk to patient, self or others.
• Properly and sensitively informs patient before, during and after the test of what to expect and asks how they are feeling throughout the test.
  • Asks the patient why they are having the test.
  • Explains the test and answers any questions they may have.
  • Asks the patient during the test how they are feeling.
  • Records all information on above questions as indicated per protocol.
• Documents all that is indicate per protocol to document and accurately and efficiently compiles all reports for processing.
  • Assures all reports are completed and include date, time and signatures.
  • Compiles all necessary reports and papers for distribution and processing.
  • Signed on inpatient medical record that test has been completed, report to follow.
• Works collaboratively with other techs and nurses to see that all other aspects of the tests are done completely and in a timely manner.
  • Considers nuclear scanning aspects of testing and allows for the time involved.
• Considers echocardiography aspects of testing and cooperates in whatever ways are needed to facilitate.
• Maintains a sufficient level of supplies in the department
• Maintains record of services provided for verification and statistical purposes.
• Cleans and assures proper maintenance of all equipment.
• Performs all clerical function related to running both cardiac rehab and pacer clinic departments including answering and making phone calls, getting reports out on time, posting charges, copying and filing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology or related field.
• Related experience/training preferably within the past five years.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years’ experience in Cardiac Rehab and non-invasive testing.
• MS in Exercise Physiology or related field.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.

• Current ACLS or completion within one (1) year of hire/transfer date into department.
• Certified as a Clinical Exercise Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine (Maintain ACSM Certification)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Independence Health System locations.

AAP/EEO

• Independence Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Independence Health System to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Independence Health System will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.