Nurse at International Rescue Committee

Key Responsibilities

The Nursing Officer is directly responsible to the Nursing Officer-In-Charge and will carry out the following duties:

Programming

• The clinical nurse shall work in specific ward/Clinic/specialized unit assigned and would therefore work as both supervisor and team leader of the national and refugee staff.
• Prepare for and assist the doctors during clinical procedures whenever required.
• Ensure that all required observations, prescribed treatment and procedures are properly carried out and documented on patients’ charts.
• Carry out minor surgical procedures, screening, admissions, consultation, resuscitation and stabilization of clients in management of clinical emergencies.
• Provide effective reproductive health services based on all pillars of safe motherhood to ensure best maternal child outcome.
• Implement community health strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Refer to the doctor in charge or to the doctor on call relevant information such as patient’s status and laboratory results, which would assist in proper clinical management.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living while in the ward/clinic.
• Maintaining psychological wellbeing through reassurance to patient’s peri operative.                    
• Observe and maintain infection prevention policy daily and ensure safe work environment.
• Arrange and submit weekly/monthly ward or unit work schedule, plan daily duties and responsibilities for both national and refugee staff and leave plans to ensure adequate coverage.
• Convene ward/unit meetings and attend important hospital or department meetings.
• Escort patients during referral when necessary and facilitate acquisition of legal travel documents.
• Participate in camp health surveys/campaigns as required.

Reporting and Communication

• Compile and submit quarterly inventory return/requisition of all drugs and supplies.
• Conduct regular training sessions for national and refugee staff on basic nursing care/management of various ward cases, documentation and infection prevention.
• Provide individualized health education and counseling related to health maintenance and disease prevention.
• Attend and facilitate Continuous Medical Education.
• Compile and submit weekly/monthly HIS reports.
• Monitor and supervise proper usage of supplies as well as maintain adequate supplies and buffer stock.

Operations

• Perform managerial and administrative functions in assigned wards/unit by participating in recruitment, capacity building, and appraisal and discipline of supervisees.
• Maintain equipment in good condition and submit regular inventory reports of the same.
• Maintain and update key registers in the assigned area and documentation of client assessment, nursing diagnosis and outcomes while ensuring confidential records.
•  Ensure that all admissions, discharges, transfers and deaths are properly recorded as they occur and participate in respective audits.
• Report on any significant changes in operations to the supervisor.
• Carry out any other additional duties relevant to the job description as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Key Result Areas

Assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing care services and other related activities within the allocated ward/unit.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse from a recognized Nursing Training Institution.
• A higher Diploma in any field of nursing or a BScN will be an added advantage.
• Registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya with valid practicing license.
• At least 2 years of experience in a hospital setting post registration.