Cardiac Critical Care Nurse at Avenue Healthcare

Job Objective/Purpose

As a member of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will have responsibility for the nursing assessment of patient care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care .  In the absence of the Senior Sister / Senior Charge Nurse or Sister/Charge you will effectively and efficiently manage the resources available to care for patients on the shift. 

Key Responsibilities

• Using the Nursing Process, organize and coordinate nursing care by prioritising care for the critically ill patients based his/her assessment data. 
• Evaluate patients hourly in Cardiac Critical Unit e.g. their overall health status, to include vital signs etc. and act swiftly according to the findings.
• Perform various nursing procedures as outlined in the Nursing Council Procedure Manual.
• Perform diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter monitors, and other tests to evaluate heart function.
• Prepare patients for surgery pre-operatively to include cleaning and disinfection of surgical sites, administration of pre-operative medications, etc.
• Administer routine intravenous medications as per the set time ordered by the physician/surgeon.
• Perform diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms (ECHOs), stress tests, Holter monitors, and other tests to evaluate heart function.
• Provide and ensure appropriate health teaching and emotional support to all patients, their families, and visitors, to include treatment options while maintaining confidentiality of patients’ information.
• Do accurate documentation and keep proper records of all of his/her patients.
• Provide effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Maintain and practice infection prevention guidelines at all times.
• Ensure safety in the work-place by maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant environment.
• Set and monitor medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators, alarms, oxygen delivery equipment, etc. to enable correct response to the patients’ conditions at all times.
• Support Charge Nurse in administrative roles as assigned.
• Safeguard hospital’s and patients’ confidential information and property at all times.
• Report all complaints and incidences to the In-charge as they occur.
• Provide mentorship to junior nurses and students.
• Identify research topics, construct a research plan, and carry out surveys at the operational level. 
• Promote effective interpersonal and public relations with team.
• Maintain familiarity with the legal implications of nursing practice and ensure that legal requirements are met.
• Perform any other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by Unit’s In-charge or his/her designate, depending on the need and urgency.

Person Specification

• Valid BLS and ACLS Certification.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing/ Diploma in Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) 
• Must have Higher Diploma qualification in Critical Care
• At least 3 years working experience in Cath-lab with post Cardiac Certificate 
• Registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya 
• Valid practicing license with the Nursing Council