Paramedic II

Statement of Purpose

The Paramedic II collaborates with other healthcare providers, participates in, modifies, and evaluates the patient’s plan of care. May be asked to oversee management of a group of patients and identify problems and issues related to patient care outcomes/unit operations. Services as a positive role model for member of the healthcare team.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assesses predictable and potential needs of patient in complex situations.

1. Based on patient assessment, recognizes abnormal findings. Explains findings that deviate from the norm and takes appropriate actions based on the findings.

1. Uses a variety of resources to assess and evaluate the health status of the patient. Utilizes appropriate data as it relates to the physiological, cultural, spiritual, and social processes of the individual.

1. Collaborates with healthcare providers on plan of care and potential discharge needs.

1. Adjusts priorities during crisis situations.

1. Assumes accountability when using independent clinical judgment and established protocols.

1. Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment and to perform duties and meet deadlines in a timely manner.

1. Performs advanced skills specific to the Emergency Department and as defined by the ED Medical Director, including but not limited to:

• Head to toe assessments for all age groups
• Pain management
• Cardiac monitoring
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• IV placement and administration
• Medication management
• Advanced airway management
• Patient education
• ED procedures

1. Recognizes and reports errors and unusual occurrences. Analyzes and identifies precipitating factors.

1. Incorporates patient’s cultural and spiritual beliefs into care by making appropriate referrals.

1. Maintains continuity of care through communication with other shifts and departments. Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team.

1. Anticipates impeding crisis and initiates early intervention to prevent problems or complications.

1. Must be able to complete assignments independently and to work as part of a team; to take direction from nurse leaders; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with co-workers, supervisors, patients, vendors, and the public in a professional and pleasant manner.

1. Supports the mission and vision of the North Country Health System and always demonstrates excellent customer service.

1. Understands and is committed to helping the North Country Health System achieve its goals.

1. Understands and enforces system, departmental and hospital policies, and procedures as well as established rules and regulations.

1. Must learn and comply with System and facility safety policies and rules; must use appropriate safety equipment and procedures at all times; must immediately report all unsafe conditions to supervisors and complete incident reports; must be familiar with all safety features of equipment, tools or materials encompassed by job duties; and must check with nurse leader (prior to job performance) if there is a question as to the safe procedure to be used for any job function.

1. Displays punctuality and meets attendance requirements of the department/organization.

1. Understands and complies with the North Country Health System’s standards of behavior and models ethical behavior as expected by our patients, colleagues, and the community.

Required Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Other Job-Related Characteristics (KSAOs):

1. Knowledge

Current working knowledge of paramedic scope of practice. Ability to delegate appropriately to differing levels of skilled individuals. Can constantly reassess and reset priorities.

1. Customer Orientation

Continually seeks to understand and act upon customer needs, concerns, and priorities. Meets customer expectations and requirements and gains customer trust and respect. Is responsive to the special needs of other departments, facility personnel and other key customers.

1. Team Orientation

Performs effectively when one’s success depends on the performance and success of others. Functions within a team and participates and contributes constructively in meetings to produce results in a cooperative effort. Places shared goals before one’s own interests, and initiates and builds relationships with others on the team. Derives a sense of accomplishment from the efforts of the team.

1. Listening Ability

Practices attentive and active listening even in a group, has the patience to hear people out, asks probing questions to increase understanding, picks out important information in oral communications and conveys understanding and accurately restates the opinions of others even when one disagrees.

1. Flexibility

Adjusts positively to multiple demands, ambiguity, shifting priorities and rapid change. Shows resilience in the face of constraints or adversity. Modifies one’s approach to reach a goal. Maintains effectiveness in varying environments, on various tasks, with varying responsibilities or people.

1. Applies Policies and Procedures

Applies knowledge of system, hospital and departmental regulations, procedures, and policies.

1. Problem Solving Ability

Gathers and analyzes necessary data to identify relevant issues and accurately defines the problem, then formulates and evaluates alternatives to recommend a solution or solve a problem. Asks good questions from a variety of sources.

1. Systems Orientation

Views work situations from a broad context and understands the complementary, interdependent nature of work processes. Assesses the impact and implications of decisions on other components of the organization and determines the effects of one’s individual work within this broad context.

Job Requirements

Education: Graduate from accredited National Registry Paramedic program. 2-3 years of experience as a paramedic. Clinical experience as a paramedic in the ED preferred.

Minimum Licensure: Licensed Paramedic in the State of Vermont.

Certifications Required: Nationally Registered Paramedic, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, PHTLS or ITLS, advanced level certification (FP-C or CCPC) required within 1 year of hire.