At Houston Methodist, the Senior Exercise Physiologist position effectively evaluates patients referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, develops and implements effective, efficient, management/treatment plans. This position assumes additional responsibilities, which support the growth and professional development of the individual, Department and Houston Methodist. This program operates very independently and the Senior Exercise Physiologist position conducts the day to day operations of the program. This position prepares and maintains the department records and documents for ongoing program accreditation with American Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilation. The Senior Exercise Physiologist position participates in the Cardio-Vascular surgery program as well as the planning and implementation of the Cardiac Rehab program as an ongoing part of the CV program.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be a dynamic, focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills

• Serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to other Exercise Physiologists, helping to advance their professional practice at HM. Precepts clinical rotations, new employees, and interns, as applicable. Teaches and provides guidance to other therapists and support staff

• Assists with protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes

• Delivers high quality patient care as outlined in the patient's care plan, putting the patient's needs above all by providing a nurturing environment, continuous positive feedback and firm direction to achieve a positive outcome

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs complete and comprehensive evaluation of patients to identify patient's level of function and to develop the plan of care. Performs initial evaluations on patients referred to the Cardiac Rehab program. Sets appropriate patient goals, develops effective treatment plans, and adheres to patient care and documentation timelines and guidelines per department policy and procedure

• Establishes and maintains professional relationships, trust and credibility with all on the inter-professional team, assisting management with daily operations as assigned

• Assisting with oversight of the work flow, caseload and patient processes and treatments for assigned team/area, ensuring quality outcomes and the safety of the patient, adjusting activities as applicable

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assesses patients regularly, monitoring progress towards treatment goals, modifying goals, plan or program as indicated. Proactively anticipates the complications/limitations associated with certain procedures and addresses for optimum outcomes. Collaborates and communicates with the inter-professional team modifications to patient's treatment plan, progress, and discharge planning. Provides safe, functionally relevant, and effective exercise treatment interventions

• Assists with implementation of patient treatment protocols and best practices for patient population or practice area. Proactively identifies opportunities for corrective action, supports process improvement providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety

• Participates in monitoring and reporting on various quality and safety metrics for the practice area and/or department. Supports the development and implementation of initiatives to improve the patient experience

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently to maximize utilization of time and equipment, providing guidance to team members accordingly. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks for self and area(s) of responsibility/assigned team members to meet the labor productivity standards

• Monitors the accuracy and completion of documentation of patient education and procedures performed in a timely manner in the patient record. Enters charges for services provided, and performs charges reconciliation as applicable

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes by fostering a positive and constructive teaching environment, engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives

• Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates their own individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and shared governance activities. Provides input with project development, implementation, evaluation, research, and where applicable, publication. Participates in or presents educational and formal training programs

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field of study

• Master's degree preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Four years' experience in a Cardiac Rehab Program. May consider HM employee with three years' experience with demonstrated progressive responsibiltiies.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) OR
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (AHA) within 90 days

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, ability to manage conflict etc.

• Track analytic data

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas (two-way tie) and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.