Learning Contract

 

General Information:

Name: Arianna Colella

Internship hours: 40 hours a week

Internship Placement: Miriam Hospital Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Internship Supervisors: Julianne DeAngelis/ Adam Mancini

Internship Job Title: Intern to the Exercise Physiologists/RN’s

 

Background:

This past fall semester (senior year) I met with my academic advisor to review my graduation requirements that I had already fulfilled.  After learning that I would be graduating I discussed with her internship and graduate school possibilities.  Because I had already observed a physical therapy facility I was interested in finding another possible field of interest.  That next spring semester I enrolled in Kinesiology 420 and a Gerontology class. Observations in Nursing homes and supportive environment settings were mandatory in my Gerontology class.  That is when I discovered that I had a strong interest in working with older adults, I felt as though there was a connection.  In Kin 420 (Chronic Disease), after many class lessons and discussions about cardiac rehabilitation I decided to search the nearest facilities in RI that had this available program.  After much research, I found that Miriam Hospital had a very distinguished program for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.  I liked the idea of completing my internship hours in this type of field because it would not only incorporate my love for exercise science but it would also include my interest in working with older adults. 

 

Personal Objectives: 

Objective 1: To administer a GXT/Stress Test with complete confidence, and ability to administer one with the supervision of a Rehab Professional. 

Activities/Resources:

• Sit in on scheduled GXT’s on a daily basis and observe the proper techniques and protocols. 

• Review textbook materials about administering these types of tests (Lead placements & ect.)

• Discuss with RN’s and exercise physiologists my current goal to one day administer my own stress test/GXT.  Inquire some of their professional input about administration of these tests. 

Evidence:

• Include in my portfolio a list of techniques I obtained after observing several GXT’s and the skills needed to administer a proper GXT.

 

Objective 2:  To develop and finalize an exercise prescription for a cardiac patient with accuracy. 

Activities/Resources:

• Review ACSM texts that go into detail about risk stratifications with patients and contraindications of exercise with those of a specific chronic disease. 

• Ask Exercise Physiologists to share their thoughts and strategies when building an exercise prescription of a patient.

•  Have Exercise Physiologists ask, “What would you prescribe for this patient” when designing a new exercise plan for a patient.  Then have thw physiologist explain whether or not my plan is appropriate. 

• Evidence:

  • Include in my portfolio the resources that an EP uses when making an exercise prescription for a patient, and why they use the sources they use.   

• Objective 3: To understand and analyze EKG’s and stress test results and to be able to pin point the patients diagnosis using the EKG. (EKG interpretation)

  Activities/ Recourses:

  • Research and find EKG samples online and practice reading and interpreting them using new learned skills.

  • During stress test observation ask RN’s and physiologists questions about EKG interpretation and have them ask what me what I see in terms of patient diagnosis

• Evidence:

  • Add in portfolio sample EKG’s and interpret what is being illustrated.

  • Include a list of ways one can interpret an EKG and how I would treat a patient with those specific results.

• Objective 4: Teach an education class to the rehab patients on different types of exercise and how it can be beneficial to their health

  Activities/ Resources:

  • Observe the teaching techniques that rehab staff uses when they teach their classes on specific topics

  • Observe the rehab population and see what is the exercise mode of choice

  • Research modes of exercise that patients can engage in once they graduate from the rehab program

• Evidence:

  • Add in portfolio a video of my lecture to the rehab patients

  • Add in portfolio research that I used and notes I used to educate and instruct the rehab patients. 

• Objective 5: To assist a rehab professional in there initial intakes with new patients and advising new patients about the program. 

  Activities/Resources:

  • Observe the rehab professionals in there initial evaluations with new patients and make a list of the questions asked during the intake. 

  • Ask staff to familiarize interns daily how to use the medical computer software and what they do with new patient information

  • Help the rehab professional complete an initial intake with the proper assistance

• Evidence:

  • Add in my portfolio the list of steps it takes to complete a successful initial intake with a new patient.

  • Add in portfolio notes I have taken on a new patient during an initial intake session (confidential example)

• Internship Details:

   

  Duties include:

• Working with cardiac and pulmonary rehab patients during their 12-week rehabilitation session.

• Assisting rehab staff with measuring pre/during/post exercise blood pressures on patients throughout their hour long rehab sessions, 2-3 times a week.

• Interacting with patients and learning when and why they became are part of the Miriam Hospital rehab program.

• Measuring pulse and oxygen levels on those pulmonary patients.

• Conducting stretch and relaxation sessions post exercise.

• Observing intakes with new patients.

• Observing and helping with GXT’s.

• Attend staff meetings and education sessions with patients.

• Motivate clients to exercise and reach their desired goals.

• Work with rehab staff to plan and create exercise prescriptions for patients.

• Monitor those desired patients during their exercise routine.

• Work with patients in the cardiac/pulmonary maintenance program (post 12 week program).

• Evaluation Methods:

  • Supervisors will complete university evaluation forms.

  • Attendance

  • Progress with specific skills such as: blood pressures, lead placements, patient communication, exercise prescriptions, and patient education.

• Expected work schedule:

  • 40 hours a week Monday-Friday

    • MWF: 8:30-4:30

    • TR: 7-3

• Start date: May 20, 2014

• End date: 1st week of August (before the 1st).