Critical Care Nurse at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital

Job Purpose:

• The Critical Care Nurse’s job exists to provide advanced nursing services and patients care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), to provide nursing research and training and advise on the same at KUTRRH.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that the critical care centers are clean and in the right conditions to provide the conducive environment needed by patients into the critical care centers of the hospital.
• Ensure that the critical care centers have all the machinery, equipment and materials needed to provide critical care to patients admitted into the critical care centers of the hospital.
• Set up and monitor medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms, oxygen delivery devices, transducers or pressure lines, and identify malfunctioning equipment or devices, and report the same to the biomedical engineering section of the hospital.
• Receive patients in critical conditions that are referred to the critical care centers and book them in for advanced care and attention in the hospital.
• Deliver quality nursing care in accordance with the set Nursing Standards and as per the policies and procedures of the hospital.
• Ensure the provision of quality critical care nursing services to the admitted critically ill patients, based on assessment data or identified needs in the hospital.
• Monitor patients for their progress and changes in status and indications of health conditions such as sepsis or shock and institute appropriate interventions together with medical specialists in the hospital.
• Administer the prescribed therapeutic procedures based upon patients' clinical status and assess patients' pain levels or sedation requirements in the critical care centers of the Hospital.
• Conduct pulmonary assessments to identify abnormal respiratory patterns or breathing sounds that indicate medical conditions of patients in the critical care centers of the Hospital.
• Monitor patients' fluid intake and outlet to detect any emerging problems such as fluid and electrolyte imbalances among patients in the critical care centers of the hospital.
• Document patients' medical histories and assessment findings, compile and analyze data obtained from monitoring or diagnostic tests in the critical care centers of the Hospital.
• Coordinate patient care conferences and participate in the development, review, or evaluation of critical care nursing practice protocols in the critical care centers of the Hospital.
• Mentor and guide other junior nursing officers, interns and students in the critical care centers of the hospital.
• Provide nursing research and training to students in the critical care centers of the Hospital.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Nursing from a recognized institution.
• Higher Diploma in Kenya Registered Critical Care Nursing, or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• At least four (4) years nursing experience out of which at least one (1) year must have been in Critical Care Nursing.
• Registration by the Nursing Council of Kenya.
• Valid practicing license as a Critical Care Nurse from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrates genuine care and understanding toward patients and their families. Fosters trust and enhances the overall patient experience.
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveys complex medical information to patients, colleagues, and families.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works harmoniously within multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care and optimal outcomes.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Navigates high-pressure situations, unexpected outcomes, and evolving medical landscapes. Remains composed, flexible, and committed to patient-centered care.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Analyzes complex cases, considers multiple factors, and devises innovative solutions. Adapts to unique patient needs and evolving medical challenges.
• Ethical Practice and Professional Integrity: Upholds ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality and prioritizing patient welfare. Demonstrates honesty and transparency in all interactions.
• Time Management: Efficiently organizes tasks, prioritizing patient care, documentation, and equipment preparation. Ensures smooth workflow within the unit.
• Professionalism: Upholds a professional demeanor, even in stressful situations. Demonstrates respect, integrity, and accountability.