EMT Advanced​/Paramedic - Imaging Dept

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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,…