Theatre Nurse at Premier Hospital

Job Objective

The primary goal of this position is to ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical care to patients by providing effective nursing services in the Theatre department.

Main Responsibilities

• Complete pre-operative assessments, including surgical checklists and nursing documentation, noting any discrepancies and informing relevant staff.
• Receive patients before surgery, gather reports from accompanying nurses, and conduct pre-operative checklists.
• Possess familiarity with Operating Room protocols, Recovery Room procedures, and assignments like managing narcotic cupboards.
• Efficiently manage pre-operative care for elective cases in the operating room.
• Effectively oversee the recovery of stable patients post-anesthesia.
• Assist with intubation and extubation of patients in the recovery room (RR) and potentially in the operating room (OR).
• Communicate with anesthetists and primary teams about patient concerns and shifting plans.
• Provide care to ventilated patients.
• Safely transfer patients to another level of care upon anesthetist’s approval.
• Utilize and maintain equipment such as Cardiac Monitors and Diarthemy effectively.
• Promptly report any unusual clinical or non-clinical findings to the nurse manager, team leader, or Physician/Surgeons.
• Identify educational needs for patients and families and deliver appropriate teaching.
• Conduct pain assessments and initiate analgesia following protocols and doctor’s orders.
• Ensure timely, comprehensive, and accurate nursing documentation reflecting nursing standards and processes.
• Maintain a safe environment by adhering to infection control and safety policies for patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Coordinate theater schedules with the OR coordinator.
• Assist physicians during procedures, taking on roles like scrub or circulating nurse.
• Properly label and deliver specimens to the lab in a timely manner.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to pre-arrest or arrest states, initiating Basic Life Support.
• Follow proper waste disposal guidelines according to Hospital Guidelines on waste management.
• Administer medication safely, monitor patient responses, and report adverse reactions promptly.
• Responsible for efficient resource utilization, including billing of ward stock drugs and consumables.
• Care for equipment through cleaning, storage, inventory checks, and reporting nonfunctional equipment to the nurse manager.
• Prepare and participate in health talks, presentations, and Continuous Medical Education (CME) events.
• Engage in clinical audits.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing or Kenya Registered Nursing.
• Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing.
• Registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya with a Valid Practicing License.
• 2 years of experience in a busy Operating Room.
• Recent experience providing direct nursing care in surgical cases within the past year.
• Valid ACLS/BLS certificates.

Key Job Requirements

• Strong clinical skills.
• Excellent customer service abilities.
• Effective communication skills – listening, oral, and written.
• Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative team player.
• Proficiency in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and crisis management.

Application Process

If you meet the qualifications outlined above, please send your application (including a cover letter, CV/Resume), testimonials, and contact details for 3 referees to careers@premierhospital.org. Indicate the job title in the email subject. Applications should be submitted by 8th September 2023, no later than 5:00 PM. Only online applications will be accepted. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of applications.