Clinical Nurse, Critical Care Units

Clinical Nurse

Department

Critical Care Unit

Entity

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi is a private not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides tertiary and secondary level healthcare services. It is the first hospital in East Africa to be accredited by the Joint Commission International from the USA. The University Hospital has been providing high quality care for the people of East Africa and beyond for over 60 years.

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for the above position based in Nairobi Kenya. The position holder will report to the Nurse Manager, Critical Care Department.

Responsibilities:

Complete assessment and re-assessment of patients to identify their care needs

Develop written care plans based on patients changing needs, monitor and evaluate effectiveness of interventions

Initiate cardiac monitoring both room and central, be able to interpret monitor trends and communicate critical changes to the physician and Nurse manager

Carry out other hemodynamic monitoring to include CVP, ICP, neurological and fluid status; lab, radiological and ABG evaluations

Document all assessment data, investigation results, care given, discussions with the multidisciplinary team, family/patient interactions in an accurate, comprehensive and timely manner

Prepare for and assist the physician in emergency procedures necessary for prompt control of patient’s condition e.g. intubation, insertion of invasive lines and drains

Initiates mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive) based on physician orders

Assess patient’s readiness for weaning and implement the weaning and extubation protocols

Maintain adequate airway management to include oxygen therapy, nebulization and suctioning

Perform pain assessment and initiate analgesia as per protocol

Be able to perform hemodialysis as instructed, care for patient undergoing hemodialysis and disconnect patient from the Hemodialysis upon completion of the therapy

Accurately administer all medication as per the treatment order sheet. Particular attention is drawn to inotropic support: dilution, calculation and infusion

Identify patient and family education needs and implement appropriate teaching

Be able to commence enteral feeds as prescribed, assess absorption and elimination and give feedback as appropriate

Be able to recognize a patient in a pre- arrest or arrest states, and to activate Emergency Response Team and actively participate in the resuscitation of the patient

Provide safe environment for patients through adherence to infection control practices and other safety policies, and perform timely safety checks on beds, IV pumps, oxygen source, ventilators and cardiac monitors.

Be accountable for judicious and efficient use of resources i.e. accurate and timely billing of ward stock drugs and consumables

Care for equipment through proper cleaning, storage, per shift check of the inventory and timely reporting and follow up of nonfunctional equipment to the nurse manager

Participate in unit based nursing education, quality improvement (QI) projects, clinical care program certification (CCPC), audits, spot checks and skill checks

Participate in orientation of new staff and provide mentorship to junior nurses and students

Participate in unit based nursing education, quality improvement (QI) projects, audits, spot checks and skill checks

Assist in other related Critical Care Units in time of low census

Any other assignment that is deemed appropriate for this level.

Requirements:

Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing from a recognized school of nursing or University

Current licensure with the Nursing Council of Kenya

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Demonstrate evidence based knowledge of current practices in Critical Care nursing