Nursing Officer-Perioperative. at Tenwek Hospital

Job Purpose:

• To provide nursing services within operating theatres, ensuring that patients receive safe, high-quality, and holistic care for the honor and glory of God.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.
• Conduct pre- and post-operative patient education.
• Serve as the communication liaison between patients, families, and the operating team.
• Take and monitor patients’ vital signs.
• Verify correct patient identification and procedure before surgery.
• Report adverse reactions to medications or treatments in line with hospital policy.
• Respond to life-saving situations based on nursing standards and protocols.
• Accurately and promptly record all patient care information.
• Prepare operating theatres for procedures.
• Initiate corrective action when monitoring equipment shows adverse readings.
• Monitor patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the care continuum.
• Implement prescribed patient education plans and provide discharge teaching.
• Train patients and families on post-treatment home care needs, including medication use and rehabilitation.

Perioperative Nurse Roles during Surgery:

• Circulating Nurse:
  • Assist in positioning and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
  • Enforce strict aseptic standards.
  • Manage and monitor surgical equipment during procedures.
  • Accurately document surgical events.
  • Handle and document specimens.
  • Inventory and account for all surgical items before and after surgery.
• Scrub Nurse:
  • Select, prepare, and handle surgical instruments and supplies.
  • Assist surgeons by passing instruments and maintaining the sterile field.

Other Duties:

• Organize and coordinate nursing care and medical treatments.
• Provide health teaching and counseling to patients, families, and communities.
• Maintain infection prevention and control standards.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and conducive workplace environment.
• Stay informed on legal implications of nursing practice and ensure compliance.
• Identify research topics and participate in operational surveys.
• Mentor colleagues and students as required.
• Display Christ-like character and abide by Tenwek Hospital’s moral code and the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) regulations.
• Perform any other responsibilities as assigned by the Nursing Officer In-Charge or designate.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing from a recognized institution.
• Valid Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) practice license.
• Minimum of 3 years’ perioperative nursing experience in a busy theatre environment.
• Excellent knowledge of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and patient safety.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to patient care.
• A committed Christian with values aligned to Tenwek Hospital’s mission