EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL FIT FOR LIFE

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HOURS: Monday through Friday day shift. Occasional weekend for 2-3 hour shift. No Holidays.

DEPARTMENT: University Hospital Fit for Life

SALARY: $22.00 - $34.74/HR

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is a growing academic health system in mid-Missouri comprised of multiple hospitals — including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital — and over 50 specialty clinics located throughout the region.

As an MU Health Care employee, you’ll be part of an exceptional team committed to our mission of saving and improving lives. Our core values of inclusion, respect, service, discovery, responsibility and excellence foster a collaborative work environment where you can grow your career.

Learn more about MU Health Care. Learn more about living in Columbia, MO.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

Perform stress testing with minimal physician supervision. Screen for appropriate exercise test based on medical information and current patient health status. Interpret 12-lead ECG and detect arrhythmias. Initiate BLS and ACLS measures and assist during medical emergencies according to protocols. Consult for staff and patient education and exercise-related treatment questions.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Operate equipment for performing electrocardiograms, event monitor and holter monitor application, scanning and analysis, and exercise stress testing.

Identify unusual or dangerous arrhythmias, ischemic EKG changes, symptomatic patients, and positive stress test results and appropriately notify the physician.

Obtain patient’s vital signs and brief medical history. Perform and document brief physical assessment, i.e. heart and lung auscultation, edema evaluation, etc.

As part of pre-test evaluation, screen patients, charts, and physician request forms to ensure proper test and protocol, utilizing established criteria to determine level of physician supervision required to safely perform each test.

Assist in training staff, medical students, residents, fellows and attending physicians in the correct operation and use of technical equipment, testing protocols and stress test reporting forms.

Monitor inventory and maintain adequate supply of materials for stress lab, crash cart, etc.

Manage the stress test reporting system, both during testing and post-test calculations.

Act as staff content expert for exercise and stress testing education for the fellows, residents and medical students.

Support clinical research efforts and integrate exercise science theories into clinical practice.

Assist in the development and management of the aerobic and strength-training programs for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Assist in monitoring cardiac and pulmonary rehab Phase II patients, emphasizing patient education, risk factor and lifestyle modification, and development of aerobic and strength training programs. Utilize telemetry monitoring of EKG and heart rate, RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) and dyspnea scales, and target heart rate ranges to maximize efficacy of workouts.

Prepare, schedule and teach cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation education classes to improve patient awareness of exercise, muscular and cardiovascular adaptations, stress management, coronary artery disease, risk factor modification, smoking cessation and diabetes control to improve overall knowledge and health status.

Evaluate Phase I inpatients, including reviewing medical files, vitals, EKGs, stress tests and record vitals and telemetry results to develop initial workout program.

Participate in multidisciplinary rounds with physicians.

Establish and maintain knowledge base of testing modalities both for stress lab and for measurable pre- and post-rehabilitation outcomes such as 6-min walk, % body fat, etc.

Complete chart documentation; verify patient account charges, review rehab patient attendance and discharges to ensure accurate information is recorded.

Stay current with the latest developments, advancements and trends in exercise stress testing and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Identify ways to improve work processes, maximize quality and efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.

Evaluate the exercise programs and progression of Phase II and Phase III outpatients in the gym. Review charts and conduct vitals and stress tests to determine exercise treatment plan. Prescribe individualized exercise program.

Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the stresslab and the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation area. Develop effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state and private health plans. Seek advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.

Communicate effectively with patients, family, staff and management.

Maximize customer satisfaction by providing patient-oriented guest services.

Demonstrate leadership role in monitoring quality and identify and implement improvements in efficiency, service and patient care.

Develop and manage the stress-testing lab in a cost efficient manner.

Performs other duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from Assistant Manager, Diagnostic Cardiology Services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

No formal supervisory responsibilities.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in health or exercise-related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs.

This role also routinely comes into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activates, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; however, completion of these duties is a measure of successful performance. Employees of this job classification are subject to quarterly performance reviews. Basic function, responsibilities and characteristics duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.