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

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: 

1. Develops, implements, and performs patient mobilization and exercise programs
2. Assesses the patient for contraindications and readiness for mobilization and exercise by reviewing the medical record
3. Coordinates care with nursing or therapy services as appropriate
4. Explains the role of mobilization to patient/family, verifies the order, and confirms patient identity
5. Performs mobilization of patient and aids in adaptive positioning to maximize safety and performance.
6. Monitors patient's performance and tolerance to mobility and exercise program. Adjusts plan as medically indicated.
7. Assess and measure for appropriate durable medical equipment.
8. Documents daily treatment notes and patient/family education.
9. Notifies nursing or provider of changes in the patient’s condition, performance, and response to treatment
10. Communicates patient's status to nursing, clinical staff, therapy services, nurse manager, or operations manager.
11. Coordinate care with patient's schedule and treatment
12. Responds to emergency situations in a professional and prompt manner.
13. 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.

Atrium Health is one of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations, connecting patients with on-demand care, world-class specialists and the region’s largest primary care network. A recognized leader in healthcare delivery, quality and innovation, our foundation rests on providing clinically excellent and compassionate care.

We’ve been serving our community since 1940, when we opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Since then, our network has grown to include more than 40 hospitals and 900 care locations ranging from doctors’ offices to behavioral health centers to nursing homes.

Our focus: Delivering the highest quality patient care, supporting medical research and education, and joining with partners outside our walls to keep our community healthy.