EMT Paramedic- PRN

About the Role

At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic assists in delivering patient care and services to a diverse patient population and their families. Under the direction of a licensed nurse or provider, the EMT/Paramedic performs EKGs, collects lab specimens, and carries out activities of daily living (ADLs) within unit‑specific limits. The role emphasizes patient‑ and family‑centered care in line with Houston Methodist Experience standards.

FLSA status: Non‑exempt

Responsibilities

• Function as a collaborative team member, responding positively to colleagues’ needs and promoting a supportive work environment.
• Mentor new EMTs and ancillary staff, model critical‑thinking, and lead patient decontamination operations.
• Provide direct patient care under RN direction, including vital signs, 12‑lead EKGs, phlebotomy, ultrasound‑guided IV insertion, CPR, splinting, specimen collection, backboard immobilization, and vehicle extrication.
• Document comprehensive screenings, diagnostics, allergies, medications, and procedures in the electronic health record (e.g., Epic).
• Conduct hourly patient rounds to ensure needs are met, observe condition changes, and report findings to the licensed nurse or provider.
• Respond to call lights, coordinate with nursing personnel, and follow through to meet patient needs.
• Utilize rapid assessment skills to identify severity of illness, deterioration, and risk for adverse events; communicate findings promptly.
• Interpret basic EKGs, recognize abnormal vital signs and mental status changes, and monitor high‑risk patients as delegated.
• Manage incoming patient information, including pre‑arrival notifications from EMS, while maintaining patient privacy and safety.
• Report near‑misses and input errors into the safety system to support quality improvement.
• Support initiatives to prevent pressure injuries, patient falls, and hospital‑acquired infections.
• Use resources efficiently, assist with staffing and patient needs across the service line, and help maintain supply inventories.
• Seek continuous learning opportunities, identify personal learning needs, and participate in performance‑improvement projects and shared‑governance activities.
• Maintain an orderly environment that facilitates access to supplies, equipment, and information.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full post‑secondary education, etc.). Completion of an EMT‑A, EMT‑Paramedic program, or licensure as a Paramedic; or current participation in an EMT‑to‑Paramedic program.
• Experience: Minimum six months of pre‑hospital or hospital experience as an EMT or Paramedic.
• Licenses and Certifications (must have one):
  • LP – Licensed Paramedic (state licensure)
  • EMT‑A – Emergency Medical Technician‑Advanced (state certification)
  • EMT‑P – Emergency Medical Technician‑Paramedic (state certification)
  • BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association)
  • ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association)
  • PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association) – to be obtained within 3 months of hire
  • NVCRISIS – Non‑violent Crisis Intervention or Instructor (Crisis Prevention Institute) – to be obtained within 3 months of hire

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated competence in performing assigned job functions, validated through ongoing skills and competency assessments.
• Proficient in spoken, written, and reading English, especially for safety‑critical communication.
• Effective communication with patients, families, physicians, and team members, employing a customer‑service focus and positive language.
• Strong time‑management and ability to prioritize multiple ongoing tasks with minimal supervision.
• Competent computer skills, including use of electronic health records (e.g., Epic) and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Basic EKG interpretation ability.
• Knowledge of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Additional Requirements

• Work attire: Uniform required; scrubs not permitted; business professional attire not required; other department‑approved attire allowed.
• On‑call: Employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
• Travel: No travel required within or outside the Houston metropolitan area.