Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Position is responsible for designing an exercise prescription based on the individual participant’s clinical status and exercise testing results. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist evaluates participant’s response to exercise and conditioning, assists with risk factor modification education, and communicates effectively with other members of the participants’ health care team.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology; Exercise Science; Kinesiology or related field

Licenses / Certifications : BCS certification, required; ACLS within one (1) year of employment

Experience / Knowledge / Skills :

ECG monitoring knowledge

Take and pass ECG course within 90 days of employment

Basic knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk-factor and behavior modification strategies

Ability to perform and evaluate manual blood pressure assessment

Principal Accountabilities

Performs initial sub maximal functional capacity six-minute walk test for both cardiac and pulmonary rehab participants.

Performs 12 lead ECG.

Makes an individualized exercise prescription based on patient history and results of functional capacity test.

Adjusts exercise prescription according to orthopedic, heart rate / rhythm, vital signs, O2 saturation or other issues that may arise. Update exercise prescription as patient continues and completes each exercise phase of rehabilitation.

Record strength training exercises to be performed. Facilitate patients on exercise days throughout their workout, offering instruction on their aerobic modality, duration, and intensity levels.

Modify patients with incorrect strength training technique and / or gait form and explain importance of correct form.

Monitors  and record resting, exercising, recovery vitals.

Monitors exercise session ECGs.

Completes documentation required for patient care.

Notifies RN and / or Sr. Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist of patient with symptoms and / or values that are out of range or condition changes.

Assists in extra care of a patient with signs or symptoms of need for urgent care.

Makes and reviews individualized home exercise programs for cardiac and pulmonary patients.

Performs inpatient education on cardiovascular topics, heart healthy lifestyle modifications, post op restrictions, incision care, smoking cessation and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.

Performs outpatient education on a wide variety of cardiovascular related topics (cardiovascular anatomy, stress management, nutrition etc) to assist with behavior modification and secondary prevention.

Conducts equipment care and maintenance by cleaning and lubricating exercise equipment.

Presents relevant special topics in professional literature at clinic meetings, grand rounds, conferences, university settings and meetings as delegated or requested by the faculty.

Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory / continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

Other duties as assigned.