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 FUNCTIONSFunctions 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.SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSRole 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 needsContributes 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 FUNCTIONSUses 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 FUNCTIONSUses 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 FUNCTIONSSeeks 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.
EDUCATIONHigh 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-AdvancedWORK EXPERIENCESix months pre-hospital experience or six months hospital experience as an EMT or Paramedic
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIREDLP - Licensed Paramedic - State Licensure OREMT-A - Emergency Medical Technician-Advanced - State Certification OREMT-P - Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic - State Certification ANDBLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) ANDACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (AHA) ANDPALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (AHA) within 3 months ANDNVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) within 3 months
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESDemonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluationsSufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or securityAbility to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principlesDemonstrates and exercises judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team, patients and their familiesDisplays strong time management skillsAdapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem solvingDemonstrates ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department and interprofessional health care team as appropriatePossesses competent computer knowledge. Operates multiple computer systems including electronic health records, e.g., Epic, and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, & Excel) to maintain patient informationMust be able to perform basic EKG interpretation skillApplies basic knowledge of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor ActSUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTSWORK ATTIREUniform NoScrubs YesBusiness professional NoOther (department approved) YesON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.On Call* NoTRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area NoMay require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area NoCompany Profile:Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.