Registered Nurse at International Rescue Committee

Scope of work:

The Registered Nurse - Midwife is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Maternal and Neonatal Care, in the labour unit within IRC supported Health facilities. S/he will work closely with other maternity staff including Doctors, Nurses, Clinical Officer, Auxiliary nurses and by proxy with the theatre staff, to ensure quality of care for patients and babies admitted in the unit and aim to promote quality of care for Gynae and or Emergency obstetric and Neonatal Care patients in the IRC supported health facilities.

Responsibilities/Main Duties:

Programming

•  Implement Maternal and newborn care activities for mothers during antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods in the obstetric unit.
• Adhere to minimum National guidelines and standard admission procedures and protocols for all patients admitted to birthing room.
• Practice Supportive maternity care for all patients and relatives admitted in the labour ward.
• Perform basic and assisted delivery care in the labor ward while observing high level of Infection prevention and control measures.
• Initiate required use of partograph for all mothers admitted and are in established labour for monitoring progress in active labour of the foetal and maternal condition and detect early the abnormal progress of labour.
• Provide newborn care, handle complications: immediately after delivery and follow-up care of the critically ill Newborn babies.
• Perform all signal functions of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EMoNC)as per the national guidelines.
• Participates in the daily Doctor’s ward rounds to familiarize with the patient care and clinical management for continuum of care.
• Refer to the doctor in charge or to the doctor on call relevant information such as MEOWS, patient’s status and laboratory results, which would assist in proper decision make on clinical management.
• Promote patients’ comfort by performing nursing duties in the ward to include but not limited to ensuring daily bedmaking, daily dump dusting, regular ward deep cleaning, etc
• Ensure emergency preparedness trays and equipment inventory is in place in maternity and items monitored and are updated daily through a structured handover during every shift.
• Stabilize emergency complications prior to referral, ensure timely supported referrals to the nearest Emergency Obstetric Care centre for a higher level of care.
• Escort patients during referral when vital and facilitate acquisition of legal travel documents.
• Do hospital coverage and on-call as the need arises.
• Ensure adherence to IPC procedures in the clinical area: Proper handling and treatment of instrument after use, segregation and disposal of medical waste, use of appropriate PPEs by care providers and subordinate staff for infection prevention.

Reporting/Communication:

• Responsible for compiling daily Nursing care activity reports while handing over in shifts.
• Responsible for accurate record keeping, ordering and accountability of equipment and supplies.
• Attend ward meeting, monthly hospital meetings and or facilitate Continuous Medical Education
• Ensure that all admissions, discharges, transfers and deaths are properly documented and recorded as they occur and participate in respective mortality audits.
• Report any significant changes in clinical operations to the supervisor.
• Any other duties assigned by supervisor.

Operations:

• Maintain departmental equipment, suction machines, resuscitators, various procedure sets are maintained and always in good condition and submit regular inventory reports of the same.
• Report any significant changes in operations to the head nurse.

Systems Compliance and Improvement:

• Ensure IRC-Kenya program specific finance, logistics, IT, security, communications and human resource/administration policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Follow any new procedures and guidelines designated in circulation from SMT and or Field team Management.

Confidentiality:

• Ensuring the nondisclosure of any information whatsoever relating to the practices and business of IRC acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or organization without authority, except in the normal execution of duty.

Note: The role of the Midwife cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein. The success of the IRC’s humanitarian mission is the highest priority and all issues which arise have got to be addressed accordingly. Therefore, the Midwife will be required to handle all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to take up other duties, as and when required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) ) /Kenya Registered Midwife. (KRM) from a recognized Nursing Training Institution
• Registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya with valid practicing licence.
• More than 2 years of clinical maternity ward experience in a busy facility.

Added advantage

• Previous work experience in a limited resource setting is an added advantage.
• Ability to speak local language will be an added advantage.
• Women candidates are encouraged to apply.