Position Summary

Trinity Health is seeking a compassionate, clinically skilled, and patient-focused Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist to organize, implement, manage, and evaluate comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation services. This role is responsible for coordinating individualized patient care plans, monitoring patient progress, delivering education, and supporting patients through their recovery journey in partnership with physicians and the interdisciplinary care team.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist plays an integral role in promoting healthy lifestyle changes, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, enhancing functional capacity, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Care Planning

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized cardiac rehabilitation plans of care.
• Implement, monitor, and evaluate treatment interventions based on patient needs and goals.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, family members, healthcare providers, and community resources.

Clinical Monitoring & Patient Safety

• Monitor and evaluate patient responses during exercise and rehabilitation sessions, including:
  • Blood Pressure (BP)
  • Target Heart Rate (THR)
  • Oxygen Saturation
  • Shortness of Breath (SOB)
  • Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
  • Other signs and symptoms related to exercise tolerance
• Identify changes in patient condition and communicate concerns to physicians and the interdisciplinary team.
• Respond appropriately to effort-related symptoms and emergencies according to departmental policies and procedures.

Documentation & Record Management

• Maintain accurate and timely patient records and rehabilitation documentation.
• Document assessments, care plans, progress notes, goal achievement, outcomes, patient education, and variance reporting.
• Track patient progress along established care pathways and rehabilitation protocols.
• Complete all required charging and administrative documentation processes.

Patient & Family Education

• Provide education and instruction related to:
  • Cardiovascular disease management
  • Risk factor modification
  • Exercise progression and safety
  • Home exercise programs
  • Activity guidelines
  • Symptom recognition and management
  • Heart-healthy lifestyle choices
• Develop, implement, and evaluate patient education programs.
• Educate family members and caregivers to support patient recovery and self-management.
• Document all education activities and communicate relevant information to the care team.

Care Coordination & Community Resources

• Coordinate patient recovery and continuity of care across the healthcare continuum.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, physicians, specialists, and community resources.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate healthcare providers, support services, and community programs.
• Promote healthy lifestyle alternatives and self-management strategies that enhance long-term wellness.

Quality Improvement & Program Development

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery processes.
• Collaborate with leadership and team members to evaluate program effectiveness and resource utilization.
• Support continuous improvement efforts within the H.E.A.R.T. Center and rehabilitation services.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based practices and program enhancements.

Qualifications

Required

• Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Michigan or Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology or related field.
• Knowledge of:
  • Cardiovascular disease processes
  • Exercise physiology
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Nutrition and risk factor management
  • Health education principles
  • Behavioral health and motivational strategies
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) risk reduction
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and patient education skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Preferred

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Exercise specialty certification or advanced exercise training.
• Previous experience in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
• Experience with patient education, lifestyle coaching, and chronic disease management.

Key Competencies

• Patient-centered care
• Clinical assessment and critical thinking
• Cardiac rehabilitation program management
• Patient education and coaching
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Documentation accuracy and compliance
• Quality improvement mindset
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Why Join Trinity Health?

At Trinity Health, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients recovering from cardiovascular conditions. Join a mission-driven team committed to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and helping individuals achieve healthier, more active lives.

Together, we empower patients to recover, thrive, and reach their highest level of wellness.

Please completely fill out the application and upload resume.

This is required to be considered, including internal candidates.

NEW GRADS NURSES SHOULD BE APPLYING DIRECTLY TO EITHER THE RESIDENCY OR WAIT LIST RESIDENCY.  THIS IS ONLY FOR REGISTERED NURSES WITH ONE YEAR OF EXPERIENCE.