Emergency Room Paramedic

Job Title: Emergency Room Paramedic

Department: Emergency Department

Reports To: Nurse Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Full time

Position Summary: The Emergency Room Technician (ERT) serves in a dual capacity. The ERT is dually trained regarding job functions within the Business Office department as they apply to patient registration and front desk operations. Likewise, the ERT is trained to perform duties in the clinical department and assists clinical staff as needed, scheduled or as assigned. The Administrator and Nurse Director work in cooperation to assign primary duties and responsibilities for any given scheduled shift.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Scan patient charts to document management program to archive patient medical records

· Support various office duties such as filing, shredding, data entry as needed or required by administration.

· May assist in entering information on financial logs as needed for front desk operation

· Assist in processing patient payment with operating credit card terminal, check terminals and/or properly log cash receipts into ledger as required by policy.

· Assists clinical staff in the evaluation, treatment, and care of patients.

· If qualified and trained, may assist in performing tasks such as obtaining preliminary information from the patient, obtaining baseline or initial vital signs, blood draws, diagnostic laboratory testing, splinting and other basic functions; establishes peripheral IV access, and performs phlebotomy, point-of-care testing and lab specimen collection procedures.

· If qualified and trained, acquires 12-lead EKGs and promptly delivers tracings to the nurse or physician for review.

· Transports patients using wheelchair, stretcher or wagon within hospital and to and from vehicles.

· Clean and disinfect patient rooms and other areas as required by the supervisor.

· Properly disposes of and handles as applicable, sharps, soiled materials, and linens and disinfects area in accordance with policy and policy as applicable.

· Properly uses PPE when in contact with patients, soiled utility, hazardous materials in accordance with policy.

· Prepares soiled instruments for sterilization.

· May assist or perform light maintenance duties as required by the EOC or Safety Officer. Utilizes safe work practices when performing any type of labor.

· Maintains confidentiality of patient related issues as outlined by HIPAA / HITECH and company policies.

· Works in cooperation with other administrative and facility staff to ensure compliance with HIPAA / HITECH rules and standards as applicable.

· Works in cooperation with facility Administration to ensure Business Office and associated departments operate within the compliance standard with Federal, State and applicable accrediting agencies.

· Complies with the guidelines set forth in the Infection Control and Prevention Plan and any applicable Center for Disease Control (CDC) requirements.

· Works in cooperation with other administrative and facility staff to ensure overall departmental compliance topics and matters directly and indirectly related to quality assurance; risk management and life safety as applied to patient care and employee safety.

· Abides by the Safety and Environment of Care policies and procedures of the facility.

· Ensures adequate level of supplies are maintained in the Business Office for efficient and safe operations.

· Takes steps and performs duties to ensure that work area is clean and free from hazards.

· Must be able to work efficiently with various levels of management, vendors, a diverse workforce and patients from various demographic backgrounds.

· May be required to attend workshops and training classes as required by Administration.

· Abides by company policies and procedures and complies with all applicable State, Federal and local laws, requirements of all Federal and State regulatory agencies and requirements of any applicable accreditation agencies.

· In order to ensure that department is fully operational, performs department operation duties daily and as needed.

· In conjunction with the other administrative and other designated clinical staff, is engaged in work productivity in the freestanding emergency room.

· Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee related issues.

· Treat all patients, visitors, and other business contacts and staff members fairly and with respect.

· Upholds and enforces patient rights.

· Position is subject to require overtime. Such position may include being required to work extended hours during the week, weekends, and holidays and during periods in which a state of emergency has been declared.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following.

Attendance/Punctuality - Arrives at meetings and appointments on time; Begins working on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Keeps absences within guidelines; Schedules time off in advance

Continuous Learning - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Seeks feedback to improve performance; Shares expertise with others; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills

Customer Service - Displays courtesy and sensitivity; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Meets commitments; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service

Planning/Organizing - Integrates changes smoothly; Plans for additional resources; Prioritizes and plans work activities; Sets goals and objectives; Uses time efficiently; Works in an organized manner

Problem Solving - Develops alternative solutions; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Identifies problems in a timely manner; Resolves problems in early stages; Works well in group problem solving situations

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Puts success of team above own interests

Use of Technology - Adapts to new technologies; Demonstrates required skills; Keeps technical skills up to date; Troubleshoots technological problems; Uses technology to increase productivity

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/Experience:

· High School Graduate or GED equivalent

· Minimum of one (1) year patient care experience preferred

Language Ability:

Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.

Mathematical Ability:

Accurately record vital signs and measurements, perform basic unit conversions, and handle simple cash/payment calculations for front-desk transactions.

Reasoning Ability:

Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:

Computer literate; must be able to utilize electronic record keeping programs, copier/scanner, etc.

Certificates and Licenses:

· Current Texas (DSHS) Licensed Paramedic, with IV and venipuncture competency

· Current AHA BLS (Healthcare Provider) certification

· Preferred: current ACLS certification & current PALS certification

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may be exposed to various contagious diseases or conditions that have the potential of being physically, emotionally, and/or psychologically harmful. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Position, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for periods ranging from 6 to 12 hours at a time. Use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit in short or extended intervals as required. The employee must frequently lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.