Cardiac Rehab RN

Description

The Cardiac Rehab RN delivers direct and indirect patient care within the cardiac rehabilitation program, supporting patients recovering from cardiac events, cardiac surgery, or managing chronic cardiac conditions. This role integrates clinical expertise, patient education, exercise therapy oversight, and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure safe, evidence-based rehabilitation services.

The RN functions with a high degree of initiative, clinical judgment, and professional accountability, requiring minimal supervision. The RN prioritizes care based on patient acuity, psychosocial needs, and operational flow, ensuring timely interventions and seamless transitions across the continuum of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment — Performs comprehensive nursing assessments including vitals, rhythm interpretation, symptom evaluation, functional capacity, and risk stratification.
• Exercise Therapy Oversight — Supervises individualized exercise sessions, adjusting intensity based on patient tolerance, telemetry findings, and clinical guidelines.
• Patient Education — Provides structured education on lifestyle modification, medication adherence, cardiac risk factors, nutrition, stress management, and home exercise plans.
• Care Coordination — Collaborates with cardiologists, primary care providers, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and dietitians to support holistic patient care.
• Emergency Response — Responds rapidly and accurately to changes in patient condition, including chest pain, arrhythmias, hypotension, or exercise intolerance.
• Documentation & Compliance — Completes accurate, timely documentation in the EMR; ensures compliance with CMS cardiac rehab standards, hospital policies, and accreditation requirements.
• Program Support — Assists with patient scheduling, intake processes, outcomes tracking, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Professional Practice — Maintains clinical competencies, participates in continuing education, and supports program development and evidence-based practice.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and moderate physical activity during patient exercise sessions.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs as needed for patient support and equipment.
• Exposure to clinical environments requiring adherence to infection control and safety protocols.

Performance Expectations

• Maintains high standards of patient satisfaction, safety, and clinical accuracy.
• Demonstrates consistent reliability, punctuality, and professional conduct.
• Upholds confidentiality, ethical practice, and regulatory compliance.
• Contributes to program growth through patient engagement, quality improvement, and teamwork.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse with an unencumbered Missouri RN license (or compact license eligible).
• BLS certification (required).
• ACLS certification (required).
• Telemetry competency — Successful completion of a telemetry course within the last 2 years or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Prior experience in cardiac care, critical care, ED, step-down, or cardiac rehab preferred.
• Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey clinical changes to physicians and interdisciplinary team members.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain patient safety in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Physical ability to assist patients with exercise equipment, ambulation, and emergency response.