Theatre Peri-Operative Nurse (Cardiac) at Tenwek Hospital

Purpose:

• To provide nursing services within operating theatres, in order that the patient/client receives quality care for the honor and glory of God.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Perioperative Nurses provide direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of scientific nursing principles. In addition to general nursing care, responsibilities of perioperative Nurses include (but are not limited to):
• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
• Conducts pre and postoperative education.
• Serves as the communication liaison to family and members of the operating team.
• Takes and monitors patients’ vital signs.
• Ensures that operating on correct patient and the correct procedure is being performed.
• Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed registered nurse.
• Responds to lifesaving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol.
• Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format, and on the appropriate forms.
• Preps operating room for patient/procedure.
• Initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring equipment shows adverse symptomatology.
• Monitors patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the care continuum.
• Initiates patient education plan, as prescribed by physician.
• Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their posttreatment home care needs, selfadministration of medication, and rehabilitation where necessary.
• Performs other positionrelated duties as assigned by the supervisor.

During the surgical procedure, Perioperative Nurses can take the role of:

• Circulating Nurse, with the following additional duties:
• Assists in positioning, responding to comfort/safety of patient.
• Provides for accurate care and handling of specimens.
•  Observes and enforces strict standards of asepsis.
• Observes, checks, and monitors all equipment used during surgery to confirm they are running smoothly.
• Handles patient documentation.
•  Inventories all items both pre and postsurgery.
• Scrub Nurse, with the following additional duties:
•  Selects and handles instruments and supplies used for the operation.

OTHER GENERAL DUTIES:

• Organize and coordinate nursing care and medical treatments.
• Provide and ensure appropriate health teaching and counseling to individuals, families, and community.
• Maintain the unit effectively according to hospital policy with minimum supervision.
• Promote effective interpersonal and public relations.
• Maintain infection prevention guidelines and practice.
• Ensure safety in the workplace by maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant environment.
• Maintain familiarity with the legal implications of nursing practice and ensure that legal requirements are met.
• Identify research topics, construct a research plan, and carry out surveys at the operational level.
• To be punctual and available when on duty.
• Display Christlike attitude and character both on and off duty.
• Abide by the Tenwek Hospital moral code and Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) regulations.
• Perform other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by Unit’s Nursing Officer Incharge or his/her designate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED FROM:

• Unit Nurse Incharge or his/her designate (Primary Supervisor)
• Head of Units
• Manager Nursing Services

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO:

• Junior Nurses, Scrub technicians Ward Clerks, Cleaners

QUALIFICATIONS

• KRPON
• Committed Christian
• Computer Literate