Senior Exercise Physiologist

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT

Under supervision from the Chief Exercise Physiologist and the Directors of the Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging Center, the Staff Senior Clinical Exercise Physiologist is primarily responsible for performing cardiac stress tests in an independent manner.

Responsibilities include: performing both standard exercise stress tests, and exercise, pharmacological and Cardio-Pulmonary stress tests within the larger context of various imaging protocols (Nuclear Medicine SPECT and PET/CT, Echocardiogram and MRI), interpreting and reporting ECG and other clinical data, assisting with education and training of fellows, residents and student interns, assisting in ongoing research projects, and assisting in administrative duties as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Together with the covering physician, clinically assess patients before testing, decide on adequate informed consent and appropriate procedures to follow, protocols to use, and special precautions if needed. Provide independent and direct supervision of stress testing and the technologist assigned to the test.

Conducts exercise and pharmacological stress testing and performs the following:
- Preparation of patient and equipment prior to testing; including baseline ECG and hemodynamic measurement/interpretation, informed consent and if necessary, preparation of cardiac stress medications and infusion pump.
- Provides constant ECG, hemodynamic and equipment monitoring during testing as per established protocols and policies.
- Determines appropriate endpoints for test termination; including the ability to recognize clinically unstable and/or hazardous conditions and initiates emergency medical response when appropriate (CPR, Code Blue...).
- Carefully monitors patient during post-stress conditions to determine appropriate completion of recovery period and allows patient to safely leave the testing area.
- Communicates effectively with covering physicians concerning any medically hazardous and/or clinically unstable conditions.
- Completes the exercise testing data forms and collates the exercise test results into a package of information in preparation for the final report to be approved by the laboratory director or his designate.

Waived Point of Care for blood glucose testing.

Performs regular inspection of all equipment, in accordance with departmental and hospital policies for operation and safety. Ensures proper function and maintenance before lab opens in the morning. Documents inspection and collates information. Follows up with Biomedical Engineering when necessary.

Replenishes station supplies and linen. Lends input as to maintaining supply inventory.

Assists in the development and updating of policy and procedure manuals, program development, as well as maintaining emergency preparedness through departmental in-services and bi-annual recertification.

Assists in orienting and training new clinical exercise physiologists in department policies and protocols.

Assists in the administration and supervision of student internships, residents and fellows in training.

Assists with evaluating and maintaining the quality and quantity of patient care services in relation to our quality management program

Maintains professional knowledge base by professional organization membership and regular attendance at in-service programs, workshops, etc.

Participates in clinical research and teaching/educational activities as deemed appropriate.

The primary job of the exercise physiologist will be to conduct stress tests. However, he/she will also participate in other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Master of Science in Exercise Physiology required.

- ASCM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and /or ASCM Exercise Specialist preferred.

- ACLS certification required.

- Testing experience in clinical setting required; three years preferred

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

1. Must possess sound medical knowledge, judgment, and analytical abilities necessary for the screening, conduct, and interpretation of clinical stress tests.

2. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge base of normal and pathological cardiopulmonary physiology and exercise metabolism and abnormal ECG responses at rest and to exercise.

3. Ability to recognize clinical problems during exercise: significant arrhythmia's, evidence of severe ischemia, fall in blood pressures, symptoms, and patient appearance.

4. Ability to initiate management of complications of exercise including rhythm disturbances, hypotension, chest discomfort, or evidence of severe persistent ischemia.

5. Demonstrate competence in responding with the appropriate emergency procedures to situations in the clinical setting that may arise prior to, during, or after exercise.

6. Knowledge of use of standard exercise testing equipment including treadmill, leg and arm ergometers, electrocardiographic monitoring equipment, and metabolic carts. Firsthand knowledge preferred, use of specific equipment may be learned on job.

7. Work requires the ability to organize and execute an efficient work plan in a large volume, high turnover service frequently requiring immediate and rapid decision-making (90% of day).

8. Work requires 3 to 6 months of orientation to acquire necessary familiarity with department and hospital policies and procedures and to decide on appropriateness of employee suitability for the position.

9. Possesses refined interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate, facilitate, and negotiate with patients, staff, physicians and other hospital personnel.

10. Ability to concentrate on details of patient care and respond to questions from patients, doctors, coworkers and health care providers, which may result in mental stress (80% of day).

11. Ability to effectively manage men and women of all ages

12. Work requires a high level of knowledge and ability to teach and train student interns and others in the technical aspects of the job, and to departmental/hospital policies and procedures.

13. Ability to stand and walk (80% of day); lift, position, transport patients and equipment for exercise testing (25% of day).

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works with patient care environments where there are some exposures to communicable disease (up to 25% of work time) and unpleasant odors (up to 10% of work time).

2. Work requires lifting, transporting and positioning of patients and/or equipment (up to 25% of work time), which could result in musculoskeletal strain or injury.

3. Work requires adjustment of equipment (up to 10% of work time), which could result in minor cuts to fingers and hands.

4. Radioactive materials are used for the testing, but the handling of those materials will be done by qualified nuclear technologists. There may be some exposure to low levels of radiation.

5. Work requires flexibility in scheduling to accommodate changes/variations in unit volume needs.

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.