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.