The Emergency Department (ED) Paramedic provides patient care and performs unit activities under the direction of an Emergency Physician. The ED Paramedic works in collaboration with Registered Nurses and other members of the care team in providing direct patient care activities including clinical assessment, obtaining vital signs, and assisting patients in need of emergency interventions. This also includes, but not limited to, other activities such as coordinating equipment, providing transportation activities, and performing tasks specific to the department assigned.
The ED Paramedic interacts with patients, families, nursing, and a variety of interdisciplinary personnel and possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, a willingness for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, and clinical proficiency.
Essential Functions:
Demonstrates NWH CAREfirst standards of behavior while working toward accomplishing the hospital goals: acknowledges customer, introduces self, explains situation, and answers questions in a warm and welcoming manner
Prepares patient rooms for admission
Orients the patient and family to the unit/room upon admission
Keeps the patient and family informed of scheduled routines and activities
Ensures patient safety and promotes comfort
Assists patients with activities of daily living such as hygiene, elimination needs, ambulation, and nourishment; performs these activities for patients who are unable to care for themselves
Obtains vital signs; performs blood sugar testing; measures patient's height and weight; records intake, output and amount eaten. Reports significant changes to the Registered Nurse & Emergency Physician as appropriate
Documents patient data in the medical record in a timely manner
Ensures a safe environment for staff and specific populations served
Maintains appropriate situational safety standards, such as personal protective equipment and proper body mechanics during patient care activities
Maintains annual job requirements/competencies such as mandatory education, CPR, ACLS, PALS and employee health requirements
Establishes peripheral IV access and initiates infusions
Establishes IO access
Performs intubation under MD supervision
Applies cervical collars and assists in patient immobilization
Completes basic wound care
Completes splinting for patients
Inserts oral/nasogastric tubes
Perform EKG's, recognize arrhythmias, and, under the direction of an MD, perform defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and/or transcutaneous pacing
Provide respiratory support, including oxygen administration via nasal cannula, facemask, nebulizer, and bag-valve mask (BVM)
Administers select medications per the ED Paramedic Medication Administration Policy
Receives and reports patient information to the RN
Contributes to the plan of care through communication with the Registered Nurse
Observes and reports changes in patients' condition to RN
Transports patients via stretcher, wheelchair, bed, isolette, crib, or escorts to various areas within the Hospital
Transports equipment, supplies, patient belongings, pharmaceuticals and specimens to and from other departments, as requested
Ensures the CAREfirst standards of service excellence are consistently used to enhance the overall patient experience
Maintains environment, supplies and equipment
Orders supplies and equipment as directed by the manager or charge nurse
Provides effective hand off to relieving Patient Care Assistant and reports off to assigned nurse prior to break and at end of assigned shift
Performs phlebotomy procedures as assigned
Greets, directs, and assists all persons arriving on the unit; answers phone; and receives and relays messages accurately and in a timely fashion
Maintains a clean and safe working environment assuring a positive first impression of the area
Demonstrates competence in all software systems in use on the assigned unit
Acts as a liaison between the unit and other departments
Orders supplies and equipment; maintains designated par levels of supplies
Performs clerical duties related to admission, discharge, and transfer of patients, as assigned
Qualifications
Job Knowledge and Skills:
Massachusetts Paramedic Certification (EMT-P)
BLS certification
ACLS certification
PALS certification
BTLS (Basic Trauma Life Support) preferred
Must be able to speak and understand written and oral English communication
Education:
High school graduate or equivalent
Completion of accredited Paramedic Program
Experience:
Prior work experience as a paramedic is required.
EEO Statement
Newton-Wellesley Hospital will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran or active military status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.
