From the Guidelines
Paramedics can be effectively utilized to support nursing staff during shortages inside a hospital by performing tasks within their scope of practice, such as vital signs monitoring, ECG acquisition, and patient transport, under the supervision of registered nurses, as evidenced by the most recent study on mass critical care surge response during COVID-19 1. To implement this approach, hospital administrators should establish clear protocols defining paramedics' roles and provide orientation to hospital-specific procedures. This collaborative model leverages paramedics' existing skills while maintaining appropriate clinical oversight, helping hospitals maintain quality patient care during nursing shortages. Key considerations for successful implementation include:
- Establishing clear protocols and supervision by registered nurses
- Providing orientation to hospital-specific procedures
- Cross-training on hospital equipment and documentation systems
- Delegating tasks based on paramedics' training and competencies
- Focusing on patient assessment, medication administration, and emergency interventions The use of paramedics in this capacity can help reduce the strain on nursing staff, allowing them to focus on more complex aspects of patient management that require their specialized training and licensure, as suggested by the study on mass critical care surge response during COVID-19 1. Additionally, the study on Canadian stroke best practice recommendations highlights the importance of paramedics in acute stroke care, demonstrating their potential to make a significant impact in other areas of hospital care as well 1. By adopting this approach, hospitals can maintain quality patient care during nursing shortages while also reducing the risk of burnout and exhaustion among healthcare workers, as emphasized in the study on mass critical care surge response during COVID-19 1.
From the Research
Utilization of Paramedics in Hospitals to Support Nursing Staff
- Paramedics can be utilized to support nursing staff during shortages inside a hospital by performing various tasks such as preparing catheter systems, medication, and nursing, as well as assisting with patient care and emergency medicine 2.
- A study found that paramedics can be quickly qualified to work in system-relevant settings, such as intensive care units and emergency departments, through blended learning concepts, which can help relieve nursing staff and expand intensive care capacities 2.
- The use of paramedics as nurse extenders in emergency departments has been shown to improve patient outcomes, patient throughput, nursing satisfaction, and partner preferences, with staff perceptions of paramedics' skills improving significantly after working together 3.
Roles and Responsibilities of Paramedics in Hospitals
- Paramedics can perform tasks such as patient transport, laboratory transport, IV access, medication administration, suturing, and assisting with patient care, making them a valuable asset in supporting nursing staff 4.
- Paramedics can also work in pediatric emergency departments, where they can perform tasks such as patient transport, laboratory transport, and medication administration, and can be a cost-effective adjunct to nursing support 4.
Benefits of Utilizing Paramedics in Hospitals
- Utilizing paramedics in hospitals can help address nursing shortages and improve patient care, as they can perform a range of tasks and provide support to nursing staff 2, 3.
- Paramedics can also help improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, as well as reduce the workload of nursing staff, making them a valuable resource in hospitals 3.
- The use of paramedics in hospitals can also be a cost-effective solution, as they can be paid a lower salary than nurses, making them a viable option for hospitals looking to reduce costs 4.