SUMMARY OF POSITION : Provides individualized nursing care to patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation, including assessment, cardiac monitoring during prescribed exercise, patient education, care coordination, and evaluation of progress. Collaborates with the medical director and interdisciplinary team to support safe cardiovascular recovery and risk-factor reduction. FUNCTIONS OF POSITION : Perform initial and ongoing patient assessments; review cardiac history, medications, diagnostic results, physician orders, and risk factors.
Develop, implement, document, and periodically evaluate individualized treatment plans with the interdisciplinary team. Monitor ECG rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, and exercise tolerance during rehabilitation sessions as indicated. Recognize arrhythmias, signs of exercise intolerance, and clinical deterioration; stop exercise, intervene, and notify the appropriate provider as indicated.
Initiate emergency response, including BLS/ACLS measures within scope and competency; verify readiness of emergency equipment. Provide individualized patient and family education regarding cardiovascular disease, medications, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and lifestyle modifications to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, exercise sessions, interventions, and progress in the electronic medical record.
Coordinate referrals, enrollment, scheduling, provider communication, and discharge planning as assigned. Collaborate with cardiology providers, exercise professionals, and other team members to support prescribed exercise and continuity of care. Assist in monitoring patient attendance, rehabilitation progress, program completion, and clinical outcomes to support departmental quality improvement initiatives.
Participate in patient safety, quality improvement, competency training, and compliance with organizational policies and applicable standards. Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Current Missouri Registered Nurse license or applicable multistate compact license. Current BLS and ACLS certifications required.
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; Associate Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
Previous cardiac nursing experience required, including experience in cardiac rehabilitation, telemetry, intensive care, cardiac catheterization, or another cardiovascular nursing specialty. Previous cardiac rehabilitation experience preferred. SPECIAL: Demonstrated competency in cardiac rhythm interpretation; ability to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies; knowledge of cardiovascular medications, exercise monitoring, and cardiac risk-factor modification.
Ability to read ECG monitors, clinical documentation, and equipment displays; communicate effectively with patients and team members; and recognize clinical alarms. PHYSICAL
STANDING : May spend considerable time standing. SITTING: May spend a moderate amount of time sitting. WALKING : May spend a considerable amount of time walking.
LIFTING : Must use good body mechanics to independently lift work-related items and assist with lifting a patient. VISUAL : Must have the ability to read physician orders and observe patient care areas; essential for interacting with patients, families, medical staff, and the public. HEARING : Must be able to receive/comprehend telephone calls and hear normal conversations.
SPEAKING : Must be capable of talking on the telephone and effectively communicating with patients/families. Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm