cardiac rehab

[mlcl4]

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Hey guys,

I plan on getting my undergradute degree in exercise science and continuing on either for PT or exercise physiology. I was just wondering if any of you guys have had any experience working in cardiac rehab, if so what can you tell me?
I know the pay sucks, and I get the basic jist of the job but thats about it.

Thanks.

 

[guetzow]

You're better of in an established field (i.e.-Ortho). Cardiac rehab is a mish-mash that includes "RNs", and in many cases no 'Formal' Rehab at all (i.e.- Pt is given Hand-outs in post op clinic and followed regarding their progress in walking x number of 'Blocks' a day, up to x number of miles a day over several months. I have first hand experience with this working with a CV surgeon who has started several specialty heart hospitals). In any case, it's an evolving field, so you have to be willing to take what you can get (In terms of compensation). Another thing to consider, in respect to job satisfaction, is that many of these folks don't change their ways after surgery (Among other things, in regards to increasing the amount of exercises you will be so painstakingly showing them. Very few 'Find Religion', as it were😉 ). If you're young, don't have a family, and money really doesn't matter in this phase of your life (Hippie therapist), go for it!

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Also you need to keep in mind that many of the cardiac rehab programs (especially those that also include pulmonary rehab) are rapidly being infiltrated by respiratory therapists. They're like roaches and when they smell a chance to act like they are more than glorified neb jockeys they will run it into the ground very quickly while preaching about how great of a job they are doing helping their patients. Ain't that right Guetzow? 😉

 

[guetzow]

Those guys irritate me! Especially the ones that don't know Vent management, are scared of intubating, and can't read ABGs. Wait a minute! that sounds like a lot of Docs 😉. RTs have been doing 'Pulmonary' Rehab for many years (At least since 95'), though I was never much for Pulmonary Rehab myself (Walking someone with a SAT monitor.....Ho hummmm). On the flip side, it's nice to have someone around who can slap a BiPap machine on a patient or tube em if they decompensate;... Not exactly a PT skill 😀 . I always got nervous watching PTs in the ICU walk a Vent patient. We have enough RNs yanking out tubes as it is...