PARAMEDIC II or PARAMEDIC III - DUKE LIFE FLIGHT

Duke University Hospital is consistently rated as one of the best in the United States and is known around the world for its outstanding care and groundbreaking research. Duke University Hospital has 957 inpatient beds and offers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center; a major surgery suite containing 51 operating rooms; an endo-surgery center; an Ambulatory Surgery Center with nine operating rooms and an extensive diagnostic and interventional radiology area. In fiscal year 2018, Duke University Hospital admitted 42,916 patients and had 1,085,740 outpatient visits in fiscal year 2017.

U.S News & World Report named Duke University Hospital #1 in North Carolina and #1 in the Raleigh-Durham area in 2018-19.

Duke University Hospital is ranked in the top 20 nationally for seven adult specialties, including cardiology and heart surgery, nephrology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology.

In addition to its hospitals, Duke Health has an extensive, geographically dispersed network of outpatient facilities that include primary care offices, urgent care centers, multi-specialty clinics and outpatient surgery centers.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet(r) organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognizedeach year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
• Relocation Assistance!

Paramedic II or Paramedic III - Duke University Health System - Duke Life Flight

Duke University Health System seeks to hire a Paramedic II who will embrace our mission of Transforming Lives Transforming Care.

Duke University Health System's Life Flight team supports over 20 critical care procedures independently. The patient population is 22-23 week gestation neonates to geriatric (all ages). In this department you work with interdisciplinary teams including, Basic Life Support EMT's, single provider ALS Paramedic, Clinical Nurses, Respiratory Therapist (Neo/Peds team) and Critical Care Paramedics.

Work Hours & Shifts:
Full Time: Rotating shifts 7am-7pm and 7pm-7am
Location: Rotating Henderson to Durham Bases

Job Summary:

The Paramedic II functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing direct patient care. The Paramedic performs a variety of activities across various practices settings and patient populations in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board and with the approval of the practice setting Medical Director.

Duties and Responsibilities of Paramedic II (Life Flight Advanced Life Support Paramedic)

• Responsible for providing direct patient care in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board under the medical oversight of the Medical Director of the practice setting where the individual will function.
• Assists clinical staff in the evaluation, treatment and care of patients. Obtains pertinent history and performs a physical examination. Performs technical procedures as delegated.
• Monitors patients and maintains records using patient monitoring system and electronic health records. Documents patients' status, delivery of care and evaluation of the patients' response to care according to specific procedures and established protocols.
• Documents and maintains an informative and accurate medical record to initiate charges for each patient treated.
• Communicates in a professional manner essential information to all appropriate members of the healthcare team to promote sharing of information throughout the continuum of care.
• Operates extensive medical and mechanical equipment in the hospital and transport environment. Ensures all medical equipment is functioning; restocks medical supplies as needed.
• Provides and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients, visitors, and staff. Properly disposes of and handles as applicable, sharps, soiled materials, and linens and disinfects area in accordance with policy and policy as applicable. Properly uses PPE when in contact with patients, soiled utility, hazardous materials in accordance with policy.
• Act as preceptor and support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and in performance improvement activities. Supports an environment of evidence-based practice/research/quality improvement initiatives
• Maintain certifications and clinical skills.
• Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Complete vehicle inspection and documentation each shift and complete a road test of assigned ambulance(s).
• Responsible for minor repairs to the unit to include but not limited to: changing light bulbs, replenishing fluids, tightening nuts and bolts, inspecting tires, etc. Responsible for daily maintenance including fueling and cleaning of vehicle. Responsible for reporting minor and major repair needs to the site specific Fleet Safety Coordinator, Clinical Team Lead, and/or Program Manager.
• Responsible for assisting with patient care as requested to include loading and unloading, operation of commonly used equipment and providing family members information/directions to Duke.
• Responsible for providing direct patient care on ALS I, ALS II or BLS transports, not to exceed beyond the scope of The Paramedic as defined by the NCOEMS and approved by local medical direction, and documenting in the electronic medical record.
• Responsible for replenishing oxygen and medical supplies used during transport.
• Demonstrates safe driving skills and ability to use technology to complete missions safely.
• Assist with continuing education outreach programs and public relations events as assigned.
• Provide staffing coverage to all bases as needed. Assist units within Duke University Hospital when necessary.

Education

Successful completion of an NCOEMS approved Paramedic Course or a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) centered course or similar approved Paramedic Course.

Experience

One year ALS Paramedic experience required, preferred two to three years prehospital experience with a moderate call volume (>15,000 calls/year) 911 agency.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• BLS, ACLS, and PALS, required.
• ITLS (or PHTLS) preferred upon hire. If not, will need to acquire within the first year.
• NRP required within 6 months of hire.
• North Carolina Emergency Vehicle Driver certification or comparable. Current Class C driver's license
• Current three (3) year driving history absent of violations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and appropriate application Paramedic scope of practice
• Knowledge of professional theory, practice and procedure
• Ability to assess needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families
• Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others
• Ability to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up
• Ability to use fine motor skills Ability to record activities, document assessments, plan of care, interventions, evaluation and re-evaluation of patient status
• Ability to use computer and learn new software programs
• Able to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to remain focused and organized Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required Must Speak English in good, understandable terms
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
• Critical thinking and ability to concentrate
• Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions
• Operating knowledge of ambulance/fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances
• Physical Requirements Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, knelling, crouching/squatting, balancing, and pulling.
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift and support the weight up to 75 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.
• Intact sense of sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
• Finger dexterity. Bimanual Dexterity: Requiring the use of both hands.

Duties and Responsibilities of Paramedic III (Critical Care Paramedic)

*Obtain pertinent history and perform a physical examination based on comprehensive knowledge, advanced skills and sound professional judgement. Obtain historical data from an environmental survey, attending medical personnel, patient or significant other, and existing documentation.
*Complete a systematic, rapid primary assessment and a prioritized secondary survey. Analyze and assess available diagnostic data. Revise plan of care as new information becomes available.
*Provide care in a critical care environment utilizing appropriate, timely interventions, per program protocols, in a priority sequence within scope of practice not to exceed standards set by the North Carolina office of EMS (NCOEMS) and local medical direction.
*Utilize Advanced Skills prioritizing the patients needs based on potential or actual needs. (I.e. intubation, Rapid Sequence Intubation, needle decompression of tension pneumothoraces, percutaneous cricothryoidotomy, placement of intraosseous and central line).
*Demonstrates proficient use of advanced and basic life support equipment and maintains contact with Medical Control when necessary for protocol deviation.
*Communicate essential information to all appropriate members of the healthcare team. Evaluate patient progress, analyze data, and modify the planning and implementation of care based on patient response throughout the transfer process.
*Communicate between referring and receiving healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care. Act as a liaison between patients, families, referring healthcare professionals and DUHS staff.
*Plan, organize and maintain equipment and supplies for use before, during and after transport. Perform inventory of transport vehicle every shift with restocking after each transport. Plan for special equipment needs for each transport. (I.e. external pacemaker, intravenous infusion pumps, intra-aortic balloon pump, isolette, baby pod). Maintain equipment repair as needed.
*Provide and maintain a safe environment for fellow crewmembers, the patients, assisting agencies, and ancillary personnel.
*Maintain certifications and advanced skills.
*Complete vehicle inspection and documentation each shift and complete a road test of assigned ambulance(s). Responsible for minor repairs to the unit to include but not limited to: changing light bulbs, replenishing fluids, tightening nuts and bolts, inspecting tires, etc. Responsible for daily maintenance including fueling and cleaning of vehicle. Responsible for reporting minor and major repair needs to the site specific Fleet Safety Coordinator, Clinical Team Lead, and/or Program Manager.
*Responsible for assisting with patient care as requested to include loading and unloading, operation of commonly used equipment and providing family members information/directions to Duke.
*Responsible for providing direct patient care on ALS I, ALS II or BLS transports, not to exceed beyond the scope of The Paramedic as defined by the NCOEMS and approved by local medical direction, and documenting in the electronic medical record.
*Responsible for replenishing oxygen and medical supplies used during transport.
*Demonstrates safe driving skills and ability to use technology to complete mission safely.
*Assist with continuing education outreach programs and public relations events as assigned.
*Provide staffing coverage to all bases as needed. Assist units within Duke University Hospital when necessary.

ADVANCED SKILLS:

*Intubations (nasal, endotracheal), RSI, and needle decompression of tension pneumothoraces, percutaneous cricothyroidotomy, central line placement (EJ), and intraosseous line placement.
*Mandatory attendance in Surgical Skills Lab, Skills Blitz and Safety Day. When identified to maintain competencies, participation in patient care in clinical areas to include the Operating Room, ICUs, Labor and Delivery and Emergency Department to maintain advanced skills.
*Identify, develop, implement and evaluate clinical and operational protocols, policies and procedures. Participation in Performance Improvement. Mandatory review (75% attendance per year required) of clinical cases, policies, protocols and procedures in Monthly Peer Review with Medical Director.
*Develop, implement and evaluate educational offerings related to Life Flight for internal and external groups.
*Develop, implement and evaluate research studies. Collect, compile and evaluate clinical and demographic data. Complete required transport paperwork. Participate in multi-institutional research studies. Formulate research studies as needed.

Education:
*Successful completion of a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) centered or similar approved Paramedic Course.
*Minimum of three years (4 years preferred) current ALS experience as a Paramedic in emergency setting with a moderate to high call volume 911 agency (20,000 to 35,000 calls/year) Obtain FP-C within 2 years of hire.

*If previous Critical Care Transport experience, FP-C required upon hire.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:
*Current certification as a North Carolina Paramedic or have the ability to obtain certification in the State of North Carolina.
*NC Emergency Vehicle Driver certification or comparable.
*ACLS, PALS, ITLS (or PHTLS) and BLS required upon hire. (NRP within 6 months of hire).
*Current Class C drivers license. Current three (3) year driving history absent of violations.

Knowledge Skills and abilities:
*Operating knowledge of ambulance/ fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances.
*Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
*Ability to successfully complete post offer job testing for physical fitness. Vision must be 20/40 corrected
*One current trauma course prior to hire: PHTLS, TPATC, BTLS or ITLS.
*The following to be completed within 1 year of hire - PHTLS certification (until TPATC Certification obtained)
*TPATC Certification within 24 months of hire. TPATC will have a 6 month grace period for renewal from expiration date.
*The following to be completed within 2 years of hire date if Paramedic is new to SCT transport: specialty certification, i.e., FP-C, or CCEMTP.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
*Operating knowledge of ambulance/ fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances.
*Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
*Ability to successfully complete post offer job testing for physical fitness. Vision must be 20/40 corrected
*Physically fit to allow for functional movement in an aircraft or ambulance and the ability to wear the Duke approved helmet.
*Max weight 235 pounds- air crew. Max height 6'4"-air crew-See Weight Standards policy

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Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.