Paramedic - Emergency Unit

Tufts Medicine • Melrose, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paramedic provides advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients. The role conducts detailed assessments, uses available diagnostics, and collaborates with physicians and nursing staff to determine treatment and intermediate care strategies. The Paramedic responds to patient care needs, requests referrals, educates patients and families about medical conditions, and works cooperatively with other departments and services to support quality care.

The position includes patient transport and transfer, clinical monitoring and skilled care during transport, emergency department support, diagnostic and treatment tasks within the paramedic’s scope, documentation, equipment and supply maintenance, and coordination with clinical, referring-provider, and public-safety personnel. The role works under moderate supervision and may encounter routine problems requiring interpretation or deviation from standard procedures.

This is a full-time position at Melrose/Wakefield Hospital in Melrose, Massachusetts. The schedule is 36 hours weekly on a day/evening shift from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with every-other-weekend and holiday rotation requirements. The listed pay range is $30.00–$33.59, based on full-time equivalent.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited Paramedic program.
• Certification as a Paramedic by the National Registry of EMTs.
• Massachusetts Certified Paramedic credential.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize work and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and accurately with excellent follow-through.
• Basic to moderate computer skills, including navigating hospital-based computer systems.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and ability to make mathematical calculations.
• Analytical skills.
• Effective communication and accurate exchange of information by phone, email, and in person.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Skills and knowledge to care for patients throughout the life span, including understanding growth and development, interpreting age-specific data and responses to care, and providing age-specific communication.
• Competence in using assigned equipment and established competence in safe ambulance operations.
• Ability to work irregular hours and handle emergency and crisis situations.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree.
• BLS, ACLS, or PALS instructor credentials.
• Incident Command System (ICS) course 200.
• HAZMAT operations-level training.
• Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training.
• One year of relevant experience.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Responsibilities

• Transport and transfer patients using appropriate methods, including ambulatory assistance, wheelchair, stretcher, ambulance, or scoop stretcher/backboard.
• Perform detailed assessments and diagnostic tests, administer ordered treatments, monitor infusions, and make recommendations concerning patient care and treatment.
• Prepare patients for transport and monitor their clinical condition to maintain stability.
• Provide skilled care during transport; follow clinical protocols, plans, policies, and orders, and follow online medical direction if a patient’s condition changes.
• Avoid hazards and use safety equipment; comply with health, safety, and privacy regulations.
• Consult hospital leadership when advanced direction is needed or may assist with job responsibilities.
• Comply with clinical performance-improvement benchmarks.
• Obtain medical histories and monitor vital signs during patient contact.
• Complete patient charts and required documentation using EPIC medical-record software.
• Maintain supplies and assigned areas, stock specialty trays, empty hampers, clean beds between patients, and wash stretchers and other areas during downtime.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with physicians, referring providers, allied health personnel, and public-safety personnel.
• Participate in discharge planning for selected patients on inpatient units and in the emergency department.
• May help create care plans with patients’ physicians, including referrals to other care providers.
• Follow operational workflows and procedures efficiently to maximize utilization.
• Respond to patient care needs and assist patients brought into a room by undressing them and connecting monitors, blood-pressure equipment, and oxygen-saturation monitoring as directed.
• Under the direction of the Emergency Department physician, perform intubation, intraosseous insertion, cardioversion, external pacing, and administration of emergency medications within the paramedic’s scope by approved routes.
• Perform clerical tasks related to ordering laboratory tests, X-rays, EKGs, and procedures.
• Answer and place calls using professional telephone etiquette.
• Administer medications as ordered by the patient’s Emergency Department physician and in accordance with policy.
• Perform 12-lead EKGs, simple dressings, wound care, ace wraps, assistance with morning care and activities of daily living for patients held in the ED, and ordered blood draws.
• Use safe ambulance operations and assigned equipment competently; analyze and interpret cardiac rhythms and report abnormalities to the Emergency Department physician.
• Insert peripheral intravenous lines and external jugular intravenous lines.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with hospital match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free parking
• Competitive salaries and benefits starting on day one
• Opportunities for growth
• Comprehensive Total Rewards package supporting health, financial security, and career growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed