POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist functions within the healthcare team as a professional caregiver who provides quality care to patients and their families. The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist provides care to the adult and geriatric cardiac and/or pulmonary patient in telemetry monitoring, exercise, education, and psychosocial support. The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist collaborates with other disciplines in the assessment of patient care needs, implementation of patient care, development of the care plan, evaluation of patient outcomes and the effectiveness of care.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

B.S. in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Health/Fitness. BCLS/ACLS certified strongly preferred at time of hire, if not then certified within 30 days of hire.  ACSM Certification strongly preferred at time of hire, if not than certified within 90 days of hire.                                                                                  

EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year in a health field preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

Must be proficient in Microsoft WORD with basic knowledge of Microsoft EXCEL and OUTLOOK. Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and time management skills are required. Must have excellent verbal and written command of the English language and communication skills to effectively communicate with patients and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.  Eastern Connecticut Health Network reserves the right to change or assign other duties and responsibilities to this position.

Assesses the patient’s condition and care needs by collecting accurate and thorough data on admission, explains the Cardiac Rehab program in detail and performs six (6) minute endurance walk with the patient. Assesses patient and or family learning needs, including the ability and readiness to learn and identifies and arranges appropriate resources to assist in the educational process. Conducts education classes for the patient and significant others as per education calendar according to appropriate teaching modules and documents on P.E.P.E.R. form.  Accurately completes necessary documentation including running daily and multi-session reports according to departmental policy. Participates in department QI, data collecting and reporting and Policy and Procedure maintenance. Begins discharge planning on admission and updates throughout the program. Assesses patient’s response to exercise and modifies exercise prescription accordingly as per MD order and department policy. In collaboration with the Registered Nurse, develops the Nursing Plan of Care, formulating short- and long-term goals with the patient and significant others, documenting the progress of the patient toward the expected outcome on the P.E.P.E.R. form. Supervises exercise sessions for the Cardiac patient, monitoring patient’s cardiovascular responses to exercise through blood pressure, telemetry and RPE scale. Supervises exercise sessions for the Cardiac patient, monitoring patient’s cardiovascular responses to exercise through blood pressure, telemetry and RPE scale. Identifies cardiac rhythms accurately and initiates appropriate interventions. Consistently anticipates emergency situations and takes action to minimize or prevent a negative outcome by demonstrating the ability to organize and delegate appropriately in emergency situations. Contributes to meeting fluctuating staffing needs as evidenced by flexibility in assignments and work schedules. Represents the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department to the community through community-based programs thereby increasing awareness of the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, self-study, workshops, and professional affiliations. Assesses the patient’s condition and care needs by collecting accurate and thorough data on admission, explains the Cardiac Rehab program in detail and performs six (6) minute endurance walk with the patient. Assesses patient and or family learning needs, including the ability and readiness to learn and identifies and arranges appropriate resources to assist in the educational process. Conducts education classes for the patient and significant others as per education calendar according to appropriate teaching modules and documents on P.E.P.E.R. form. Accurately completes necessary documentation including running daily and multi-session reports according to departmental policy. Participates in department QI, data collecting and reporting and Policy and Procedure maintenance.