Paramedic - Emergency Room Services - Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Position Summary The Paramedic provides support services to the various clinical units of the Emergency Department. The Paramedic has routine responsibilities rotating in the Patient Observation Team, Transport, and other areas as needed. The Paramedic's decisions and actions with patients and families are determined in an ethical manner practicing compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of each person. Effectively communicates with patients/families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers. All areas of practice and care delivery are provided to achieve and maintain top-decile results and outcomes for patient experience, quality, and patient safety. The Paramedic follows and adheres to UNC Health Appalachian's policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior. This position practices under the direct supervision of the licensed nurse. The Paramedic demonstrates the UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values in action and approaches work in a way that reflects action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The Paramedic demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective completion of tasks. Effectively and professionally manages working relationships with coworkers, physicians, and all UNC Health Appalachian team members in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. Responds quickly and accurately to emergencies in the work environment and/or to changes in patient condition. Position Qualifications

• Minimum Education
  • High School Diploma is required; Associates Degree from an accredited institution is preferred.
  • Licensed as a Paramedic in the state of North Carolina.
• Experience
  • Experience in an in-patient setting is preferred but not required.
  • One (1) year of experience as a Paramedic, EMT, or CNA is preferred.
• Required Registration/License/Certification
  • Licensed as a Paramedic in the state of North Carolina.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) issued by the American Heart Association is required within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of and works within the scope of the Paramedic as a dependent provider taking direction from licensed personnel.
  • Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physicians; acts within the chain of command utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
  • Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within limits of certification/license and hospital policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the continuum of care provided.
  • Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians.
  • Computer skills including data entry and the EMR.
  • Understanding of the limits of certification in relation to patient care and policies.
• Physical Demands
  • Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity and mobility.
  • Prolonged, extensive, or considerable sitting/standing/walking.
  • Bending, squatting, twisting, turning
  • Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
• Working Conditions
  • Regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne diseases.
  • Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
  • Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies.
  • Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift.
  • Continuous sitting for long period = to or greater than > 4 hours.
  • Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day.
  • Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1 hour per day.
  • Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day.
  • Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
  • Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches.
  • Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity.
  • Frequently per hour, exposed to soft voices >3 ft. away.
  • Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work.
  • Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to ionizing/non-ionizing radiation exposure including x-ray and microwave.

    About UNC Health Appalachian

    It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

    About UNC Health

    UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

    UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

    Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

    For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.

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