Work Shift

Variable/Rotating Shifts

Scheduled Weekly Hours

12

Summary

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care through participation in the interdisciplinary team. The Paramedic performs designated procedures under the supervision of a Registered Nurse as well as responding to ever-changing and emergent situations within the unit.

Job Description

Job Duties

• Functions under the general supervision/direction of a supervising RN/Physician and is responsible for facilitating the provision of patient care which is goal directed.
• Performs accurate measurement of patient statistics to include vitals, height and weight.
• Manages room turnover and patient flow.
• Collects health history and medication list.
• Escribes orders.
• Prepares patient for physician exam.
• Instructs patients as directed by the RN or physician.
• Administers oral, SubQ and IM medications and injections as ordered by the provider.
• Demonstrates basic knowledge of medication purpose, side effects and administration procedure.
• Practices standard precautions.
• Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.

Department Specific Duties

Emergency Department(s)

• Prepares instruments, supplies and protective devices for exam and testing prior to the visit.
• Rooms and prepares the patient for examination. This includes reviewing histories, allergies, medications, reason for visit and taking vitals.
• Per established standing orders of provider, orders/administers injections, orders/collects specimens for lab testing (ex. Rapid strep tests) and performs phlebotomy as needed.
• Provides patient instruction using pre-approved patient education materials specific to the chief complaint or for the health promotion of observed behaviors known to contribute to poor health, as directed by the provider.
• Prints after visit summary and completes discharge of patient from exam room.
• Manages phone calls to patients regarding test/lab results and provides appropriate instruction for treatment, as directed by the provider.
• Processes medication requests/changes/refills per established written protocols. This includes having knowledge of medications, including basic dosages, side effects and interactions.
• Provides assistance with diagnostic procedures (ex. EKGs) and treatments (ex. Nebulizer treatments) as directed by the provider. This includes obtaining specimens, labeling and disposition to the laboratory and explaining diagnostic procedures to patient as needed.
• Manages sample medication according to organizational policy and procedure.
• Orders and maintains adequate but not excessive medical supply inventory.
• Collects and documents urine drug screens in compliance with regulations.
• Educates and discharges patients.
• Receives radio ambulance report if Shift Supervisor or another nurse in not available.
• Performs IV/IO insertion on adult and pediatric patients and may obtain ordered lab tests.
• Responds to in-house and outpatient codes with another nurse.
• Covers for the primary RN during breaks, however, not to begin new patients.
• Tasks such as these may be completed under the direction and discretion of the primary nurse:  Monitors cardiac activity and performs ECG per protocol; initiates/maintains CPAP; Administers (and wastes as appropriate) various intravenous medications to include narcotics for pain management and IV fluids.
• Places NG/OG tubes and foley catheters in adult and pediatric patients once trained by MMC personnel; and performs intubation under the direct monitoring of the Provider.
• Assists the primary RN as the second staff in Cardioversions/Sedations and in verifying medication and infusions with the primary RN to include various medications.
• Transports patients with blood products hanging, performs eye irrigation, receives critical lab values and follows Critical Results in Test policy, and assess patient's response to interventions (ex. pain

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and abilities.
• Sound background in emergency medical care.
• Demonstrates ability to provide safe and effective patient care.

Professional Experience

• Previous patient care/paramedic experience preferred.

Education

• Education sufficient to obtain required licensure.    

Licensure, Certification, Registration

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), in accordance with the American Heart Association required by the department within 6 months of hire required.
• Currently licensed to practice as an EMT-Paramedic in the state of Iowa required.
• Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required.  Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date.
• Emergency Department(s) - Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) must be obtained prior to the completion of orientation.

Physical Requirements

Heavy: Exert 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.