EMT Paramedic - Days at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital

Matrix Schedule:  Week1= 3-13's; Week2= 4-10's

At Houston Methodist, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic position is responsible for assisting in the delivery of patient care and services to diverse patient population and their families and performing EKGs and collecting lab specimens under direction of the licensed nurse and/or provider. This position performs patient care activities of daily living (ADL's) within unit specific defined limits and job scope. The EMT/Paramedic position demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated tasks, conducting hourly rounding to ensure patient needs are met and records data established by policy and procedure, reporting observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse and/or provider. This position practices Patient and Family Centered Care in concert with Houston Methodist Experience standards.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues needs for assistance and partnership. Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Problem-solves, assists other techs, manages several ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.

• Serves as role model, using critical thinking, in several capacities; mentors new EMTs and ancillary personnel as to unit procedures, role and unit readiness as team leader, in patient decontamination operations.

• Interacts with peers, staff and physicians in a supportive and respectful manner. Encourages open communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information in a clear and timely manner. Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

• Serves as an educational resource for unit competency and validation procedures that are applicable to role.

• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement on unit-based scorecard, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Role models patient and family-centered care standards and provides direct patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. Documents, where applicable, comprehensive screenings, care administered, diagnostic measurements, allergies and medication lists, treatments and procedures as determined by skills, training and validation (i.e., vital signs, 12 Lead EKG, phlebotomy, ultrasound-guided I.V. catheter insertion, CPR, splinting, specimen collection, immobilization by backboard, extrication from vehicles) in accordance with established policies and procedures. Repeats vital signs according to policy. Provides care in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity and inclusion principles.

• Observes patients, making hourly rounds to ensure patient needs are met (four P's), for condition change. Reports observations, conditions and problems of patients to the licensed nurse to achieve desired patient outcomes. Responds to the call light system, contacting nursing personnel as appropriate, and follows through with meeting patient needs

• Contributes towards improving department scores for patient satisfaction on unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability, i.e. bedside shift handoff/report.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses rapid assessment skills to accurately identify patients' severity of illnesses, deterioration of conditions, and risks for adverse events, and communicates findings to licensed nurse and/or provider. Applies critical thinking skills to recognize abnormal ECGs, vital signs, and mental status to monitor high risk patients out of the department as delegated.

• Manages incoming patient information by receiving pre-arrival notifications from EMS providers per unit protocols. Provides for the privacy of patients and families, keeping the safety of the patient in mind.

• Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly into PSN to improve processes and identify trends. Supports initiatives to prevent conditions such as pressure injuries, patient falls, and hospital-acquired infections. Contributes to identification of corrective action and improvement activities, impacting quality and safety targets on the unit-based scorecard, through peer-to-peer accountability, collaborating with the interprofessional team.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Assists with patient and staffing needs (floats) across the service line or hospital as competencies allow. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Role models effective time management and coordinates colleagues to meet the overall demands of the unit.

• Maintains an orderly environment that facilitates access to supplies, equipment, and resource information. Assists in the inventory, monitoring and ordering supplies and medical equipment to maintain par levels.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development, continually assisting with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Identifies own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Fosters a positive and constructive patient care environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with department objectives.

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and shared governance activities. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

• Completion of EMT-A, EMT- Paramedic program or licensed Paramedic, and/or currently participating in an EMT to Paramedic program with classification of an EMT-Advanced

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Six months pre-hospital experience or six months hospital experience as an EMT or Paramedic