The cardiopulmonary rehab nurse uses assessment data to identify and prioritize patient problems of patients with cardiac, pulmonary, and other medical conditions for patients requiring cardiopulmonary rehabilitation under orders from the referring physician. The nurse evaluates pertinent medical records and thoroughly interviews patients to clarify medical history, needs, goals, and problems. Through the use of a variety of therapeutic procedures. The nurse follows exercise prescription plan to achieve specific realistic outcomes and interacts in treatment according to patient needs. Applies principles and practices of nursing and cardiac rehabilitation for prevention and therapeutic purposes to restore and maintain optimal physiological, psychological, social, vocational and emotional status. Provides patient/family education and instruction to promote/maintain health and well-being. The cardiopulmonary rehab nurse functions in accordance with the New Jersey State Practice Act, regulatory agencies, and hospital policies and procedures.

Education & Experience: 

Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing with current licensure in the State of New Jersey as required by law.  You must be enrolled within six months of hire or rehire in a CCNE or NLNAC accredited BSN or MSN program (or foreign equivalent) with a graduation date that falls on or before the employee’s third employment anniversary date into a nursing position. * BSN or MSN graduates preferred *Grandfathered Exemption of Educational Requirement: Hired on or before June 1, 2013 - IMC Hired on or before August 4, 2015 – IMCW One-year critical care experience required. One-year experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation preferred.

Certification/Licensure:

Current NJ State Registered Nurse License in good standing required. BLS required. ACLS required. National certification required within 3 years of hire.

Knowledge & Skills:

Can evaluate and treat stable cardiac patients following acceptable treatment principles/guidelines for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and current nursing process. Demonstrates expertise in telemetry interpretation, blood pressure auscultation, auscultation of heart and lung sounds, palpation of pulses and assessment of signs and symptoms. Can assess all systems, vital signs, problems, and makes decisions that reflect good judgment, while considering the patients’ safety and needs. Demonstrates expertise in defibrillation skills. Able to develop and implement a comprehensive plan of care and set goals following accepted treatment principles in cardiac rehabilitation. Competent in applying the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in nursing. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills in English.   Knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance requirements. Ability to perform exercise prescriptions, daily progress, and home programs.

Physical Requirements:

 Strength required:  Constantly push/pull, lift light objects and objects less than50 lbs. Occasionally required to push/pull/assist object/patients more than 300 lbs. Occasionally required to assist in transferring patients 300 lbs. Occasionally required to lift in excess of 50lbs. Manual Dexterity: Constantly required to perform simple motor skills and manipulative skills such as standing, walking, writing and use of various types of exercise and office equipment. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulation skills such as positioning patients and use of more complex office and exercise equipment.  Coordination:   Constantly required to perform gross body coordination such as walking, squatting, standing for extended periods to perform tasks such as guarding patients during treatment, and carrying, lifting, and transferring patient/objects. Must be able to demonstrate proper body mechanics in performing these tasks. Must be able to maneuver equipment, patients/wheelchairs, and stretchers in tight space without causing injury to anyone. Mobility:  Constantly walk and stand for long periods of time. Frequently required to remain in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time, including bending over equipment, counters, tables, etc.  Visual discrimination:   Constantly required to see objects closely to allow observation in evaluating patients and reading instruments, physician orders, telemetry, computer screen and measurement tools. Frequently required to discriminate colors on skin conditions, medical records, equipment panels, or warning lights. Occasionally required to use depth perception and judge distance, size, color, and shape of an object. Hearing: Constantly required to hear blood pressure sounds in a noisy environment. The ability to hear patient/visitor/staff communication calls, telemetry and other equipment sounds/alarms, etc. The ability to communicate via the telephone, intercom, and answering machine. Frequently uses listening skills to interpret blood pressure, information provided by people and equipment. Frequently required to demonstrate awareness of possible hearing dysfunction and must adjust communication accordingly. Speaking:  Constantly articulate verbal commands, instructions, and feedback to patients, students, staff, and visitors. Uses correct grammar, appropriate intonation, and voice quality to send positive messages. Mental Requirements: Constantly required to concentrate on fine details with continual interruptions, attend to a task/function for more than 60 minutes at a time, understand and relate to specific ideas: remember tasks/assignments given at the beginning of a period of time extending several days. Constantly required to demonstrate good judgment and safety.