Summary

Under the direction and guidance of the Emergency Department Medical Director, and the general supervision of the Emergency Department Nursing Director, and in accordance with the standards of care and practice referenced by St. Joseph Hospital’s unit/departmental policies and procedures, the paramedic performs the following functions. It should be understood that the primary responsibility for an individual patient will remain with the assigned RN.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Perform standard assessments using basic and complex equipment
• Based on assessments, identify patient care priorities
• Reassess patient status/needs at appropriate intervals
• Report patient status changes/needs to appropriate RN or ED physician/treating clinician

• Initiate/maintain IV access lines in ED and other patient areas, excluding central lines
• Initiate/maintain intraosseous (IO) access lines with physician approval
• Perform blood draws and send to lab according to policy
• Removal of IV/IO lines
• Obtain and interpret 12 lead EKG and present to ordering provider
• Recognize and report abnormal cardiac rhythms to treating provider
• Perform Endotracheal intubation as requested by the ED Physician
• Obtain and evaluate FSBG
• Wound dressing application
• Obtain Clean Catch Urine
• Transport patients to other departments or inpatient rooms including Telemetry
• Administer medications, as appropriate, as ordered by ED physician/treating clinician

• Set up suture sets
• Splint Application
• Order entry using RN Symptom-Based Order Guidelines
• Restocking of supplies as needed
• Triage Patients
• Discharge Patients

• Maintains confidentiality
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing
• Communicate patient status or needs to RN or ED physician/treating clinician, as needed
• Document procedures, medications, etc. in electronic medical record
• Serve as patient advocate as needed
• Monitor department for cleanliness and safety issues and report as appropriate

• Meet standards of job analysis form
• Ensure patient comfort
• Collaborate with ED Team to expedite care
• Pay attention to patient needs

• Interact positively with members of team, other departments and services
• Respect patient’s culture, lifestyle, religion and age when planning or implementing care
• Accept constructive criticism and channels emotional reaction in a positive manner
• Other duties as trained and credentialed

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Point of care competencies (urine dip, glucose monitoring, fecal occult)
• IV competencies
• EKG/Defibrillation with Arrhythmia recognition
• Venipuncture competencies
• IO insertion/removal
• Ranger fluid warmer
• Bair hugger
• Therapeutic hypothermia
• Wound care
• Burn care
• Splint application
• CPI Certification
• Learning and Leadership Development Academy modules, as assigned

Education and Experience

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support certification required

• Successful completion of Paramedic level training strongly preferred

• Five years as a practicing pre-hospital Paramedic preferred

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering. 

Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources. 

Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities. 

Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation. 

We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status.