Care Extender-MSH – Full Time - Day (Emergency Paramedic Experience)

As an integral part of a team, the Care Extender is responsible for patient care and support activities promoting patient focused care within the Emergency Department.

Assists the care team with the delivery of services to patients in the Critical Care and Step- Down Units department setting as follows:

1.   Functions in an emergency situation as a team member, assisting with BCLS, PALS, and ACLS, under the direction of the care team. This includes chest compressions, EKG, and assisting with gathering resuscitative supplies. 
2.   Identify patients that present with (or have a status change) a condition that requires immediate care. Immediately communicate this need to the care team.
3.   Takes and accurately documents patients’ vital signs. Promptly report any variations in patient's behavior, vital signs, or cardiac rhythm or any complaints of pain to the care team.
4.   Observes patient behavior and responses to treatment, reports and records routine and specific patient data, such as: blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respirations. 
5.   Prepares patients for treatments, diagnostic procedures and assists health care providers as requested. 
6.   Transports patients, including critical care patients, to other areas of the hospital as directed
7.   Performs venipuncture and EKG as per assigned case load and direction by the Care Team.
8.   Provides comfort measures to all patients. Meets the physiologic needs of the patient (nutrition, hygiene, turning, positioning, ROM, skin care) and assists patients with ADL.
9.   Communicates patient’s needs and requests promptly to charge/primary nurse.
10.   Addresses physical, spiritual, psychosocial, emotional, and cultural needs for patients/families
11.   Provides compassionate end-of-life care.
12.   Gives concise and comprehensive report for all handoffs of care which include situation, background, upcoming tests, and patient specific needs.
13.    Recognizes and responds appropriately in crisis situations.
14.   According to policy and established procedures assures that patient clothing and valuables are handled properly.
15.   Is open and responsive to the diverse backgrounds and experience of other people and promotes an environment that is sensitive to cultural diversity.
16.   Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in assigned area

        Age Specific Competencies
            a. Identifies physical, behavioral and emotional characteristics typical for the age group.
            b. Modifies approaches based on patient age-specific needs and responses to treatment.
            c. Provides care for patients based on age-specific needs.
            d. Uses communication techniques, which are age appropriate.
   
17.   Works collaboratively with leadership, and adheres to expectations, policy and procedure.
18. Other duties as assigned   
   

PATIENT EXPERIENCE 

1.   Greet visitor, introduces self, and answers telephones promptly and courteously. Escort visitors to appropriate area, when necessary. Provide information and make referrals when appropriate. 
2.   Orients patients to the Emergency Department Zone and Bay/Room.
3.   Maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients and families in accordance with hospital standards. 
4.   Responds to call bell system and assist with patient’s needs/requests.  
5.   Maintains patient comfort during stay. 
6.   Assists with setting up appropriate interpreter services under the direction of the RN.  
7.   Performs hourly rounds and care checks on patients to ensure that their comfort needs are addressed.  
8.   Communicates effectively to keep patients abreast of care activities and explains what they are doing when in the patient’s room.  

QUALITY AND SAFETY

1.   Verifies patient identification using name and date of birth per hospital policy prior to performing procedures or obtaining vital signs, collecting specimens, or transporting a patient.  
2.   Immediately communicates any concerns, changes in patient status, and abnormal vital signs to the registered nurse or provider.  
3.   Performs hand hygiene before and after patient contact. 
4.   Under direction of the care team, and according to set procedures, will maintain isolation status and mechanical safeguards for patients.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
1. Attends staff meetings, regularly checks work email to stay up to date on new initiatives, and participates in team briefs.  
2. Maintains BLS, PALS and ACLS certification. 
3. Participates in QA/ QI initiatives 
 

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• An Associate or Bachelor degree is preferred.
• One year of full-time emergency paramedic experience.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• AHA Basic Life Support (BLS)
• AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)