Paramedic (FLEXI)

Summary

The Cardiovascular Services Paramedic is responsible for assisting in the Cardiovascular Holding Area for direct patient care under the guidance and direction of a registered nurse. Activities are based on accepted standards of Cardiac, Radiology, and outpatient practice, and are performed within the scope of education, training, and experience of the technician.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

Aseptic Technique

• Perform concepts of aseptic technique according to hospital policy, procedures, and the aseptic technique competency

• Collect necessary instruments and supplies, and anticipate additional supplies or equipment that may be needed

• Maintain adequate supplies and equipment, restocking when necessary

• Assure the pre-op/recovery rooms are properly prepared prior to the case

• Follow established routines and utilize supplies and equipment in a cost-effective manner

• Demonstrate the ability to operate equipment in the Cardiovascular Holding Area

• Report breaks in aseptic technique, or other needs/problems, immediately to the Charge Nurse

EKG/Laboratory Services

• Demonstrate competency in operating electrocardiogram equipment (12-Lead EKG and EKG monitors)

• Demonstrate proficiency and accuracy in identifying lethal cardiac arrhythmias

• Calibrate machine and load graph paper

• Demonstrate competency in determining orthostatic blood pressures

• Transport specimens to the lab, as required

• Perform blood glucose monitoring, urine pregnancy tests, ISTAT Chem 8, PT/INR, and ACT (Point of Care Testing)

• Transport patients to and from inpatient care areas following departmental guidelines

• Perform phlebotomy services on patients, as needed

• Prepare specimens to be sent to consulting laboratories

• Perform computer data entry for lab specimens

• Obtain blood products from the Blood Bank

General Patient Care

• Demonstrate skills and judgment necessary to implement interventions and procedures for total patient care, as delegated by the RN or standing protocol

• Ensure that vital signs are taken and recorded as directed

• Accurately notify nurse and appropriate health care team of pertinent changes in patient’s condition; initiate basic definitive care or life support measures under the supervision of an RN

• Document vital signs and procedures performed in the Cardiovascular Holding Area

Patient Prep

• Greet and provide appropriate direction to every patient entering the Cardiovascular Holding Area

• Bed assignments are to be made in accordance with physical and psychological needs, as well as factors influencing flow through the department

• Bring patients from waiting areas based on the direction of the Charge Nurse or Triage Nurse, and prepare patient for examination

• Document and/or report clinical findings to the RN in a timely fashion

• Assist the EMS/RN staff with transferring patients to beds

Advanced Skills (ACT III/Paramedic)

• Peripheral Intravenous Therapy – Provide essential components of care for patients requiring initiation of peripheral intravenous therapy, noting criteria in peripheral intravenous therapy nursing competency

• Respiratory Care – provide oral, external only suctioning from trach and other airways(s); monitor patients receiving HHN treatments; listen to breath sounds and report findings to the appropriate RN or Charge Nurse; insert oral airway or nasal trumpet airway under the direction of an RN or MD

• Urethral Catheterization – Provide essential components of care for patients requiring initiation of urethral catheterization, noting criteria in urethral catheterization nursing competency

• Arterial and Venous Removal – Provide essential components of care for patients requiring removal of arterial and/or venous sheaths, noting criteria in the removal or arterial and venous sheath Cardiac Cath Department policy

• Provide transfer and evaluation of telemetry patients to ACS when transporting to and from patient rooms

• Maintain and promote effective relationships with peers, physicians, patients, families, and other hospital departments

• May function as a scribe in acute situations

• Accurately document all procedures and/or interventions in the cardiovascular flow-sheet, and report to the responsible RN or Charge Nurse

• Perform code cart/code room check-offs in log book

• Assist peers with assignments, as needed, to assist in maintaining smooth and efficient workflow within the Cardiovascular Holding Area; perform additional duties, as necessary, at the request of the RN or Charge Nurse

• Assure a safe environment for all patients, staff, and visitors by following all safety precautions and procedures in the performance of job duties

Limitations of Role

Always function within skill level guidelines. The Paramedic DOES NOT:

• Administer medication (oral, rectal, topical, IV/IM SQ, OTC, HHN, ear, or eye medications)

• Intubation

• EJ/IJ, CVL/PICC line access, manipulation, and/or flushing

• ABGs

• Tracheal/Endotracheal tube manipulation or suctioning

• Defibrillation, and any other electrical cardiology

• Manipulate monitor alarm limits or settings

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services

• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Reports to: Cardiovascular Clinical Supervisor

• Supervises: None

• Responsibilities: Not applicable

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Minimum Required Education: High school diploma, or equivalent, and post training as a CNA, Paramedic, Shock-Trauma Tech, Nursing or EMS student, Phlebotomist, or Medical Assistant

• Preferred Education: Not applicable

• Experience: 2+ years as a CNA in an acute care facility, corpsman experience, or formal phlebotomy/laboratory/paramedic training

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Applicant must hold a current ACLS certification; have successfully completed Chesapeake Regional Medical Center’s ACT competency or Shock-Trauma/EMT-intermediate training; and demonstrate competency in aseptic technique, cardiac arrhythmias, and laboratory services.