Job Vacancies at Aga Khan University Hospital

Position Summary

The AKUH@Home field nurse aims to provide care that is compassionate, safe, ethical, patient- and family-centered, culturally congruent and evidence-based to enhance quality of life, augment accessibility and continuity of care, and improve patient outcome. The position holder will be responsible for providing community based services which include comprehensive nursing assessment, patient advocacy, exquisite care-coordination of medical care teams, routine medication administration and supportive care measures under clinical supervision.

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive patient and environmental assessments related to home health needs
• Develop care plan in consultation with clinician
• Coordinate and implement care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the continuum, utilizing nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation)
• Provide nursing care, administer medication and perform routine clinical procedures (including vital signs, I/V cannulation, access ports, IV drug/fluid administration, phlebotomy, collection and handling of specimens, etc.) according to program policies within the prescribed plan, in the home setting
• Monitor the patient's physiological, physical and emotional response to treatment and identify patterns and trends. Able to pick up early warning signs and seek immediate support
• Evaluates patient’s response to plan of care and works in collaboration with the primary clinician to make any needed adjustments
• Support the patient and family (including psychosocial support) through disease progression, symptom management, advanced care planning and life closure, as appropriate
• Identifies learning needs of the patient and families and educates them by adapting to patient and family learning style utilizing the teach-back method.
• Fulfil safety and regulatory requirements: Perform initial and routine safety checks to ensure compliance and to assess and maintain a safe environment for patients, families, and staff in accordance with regulatory and institutional health standards.
• Ensure appropriate handling and disposal of biological and hazardous specimens/materials
• Oversee inventory management and facilitate maintenance of clinical supplies
• Ensure all near-misses, accidents, incidents and complaints are reported and to assist in the timely investigation and closure of same.
• Manage and maintain patient records for each visit

Requirements:

• KRCHN/RN/BScN from a recognized school of nursing or University
• Current licensure with the Nursing Council of Kenya
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Minimum requirement of 3 years’ continuous clinical experience in medical surgical Nursing. Experience in oncology, home care and/or palliative care is preferred

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Introduction

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi is a private not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides tertiary and secondary level healthcare services. It is the first hospital in East Africa to be accredited by the Joint Commission International from the USA. The University Hospital has been providing high quality care for the people of East Africa and beyond for over 60 years.

The position holder will report to the Nurse Manager, Pediatrics Department.

Responsibilities:

• Complete assessment and re-assessment of patients to identify their care needs
• Develop written care plans based on patients changing needs, monitor and evaluate effectiveness of interventions
• Initiate cardiac monitoring both room and central, be able to interpret monitor trends and communicate critical changes to the physician and Nurse manager
• Carry out other hemodynamic monitoring to include CVP, UVCs, lab, radiological and ABG Evaluations
• Document all assessment data, investigation results, care given, discussions with the multidisciplinary team, family/patient interactions in an accurate, comprehensive and timely manner
• Prepare for and assist the physician in emergency procedures necessary for prompt control of patient's condition e.g. intubation, insertion of invasive lines, drains and administration of surfactant
• Maintain adequate airway management to include oxygen therapy, nebulization and suctioning
• Be able to perform peritoneal dialysis and care for a patient on the same as instructed.
• Accurately administer all medication as per the treatment order sheet and in line with MMU guidelines
• Provide safe environment for patients through adherence to infection control practices and other safety policies, and perform timely safety checks on incubators, IV pumps, oxygen source, ventilators, and cardiac monitors.
• Be able to care for children undergoing exchange transfusion
• Participate in unit-based nursing education, quality improvement (QI) projects, audits, spot checks and skill checks

Requirement

• Registered Nurse from a recognized School of Nursing or University
• Higher Diploma in Paediatric/Neonatal Critical Care Nursing or experience in Neonatal Critical Care
• Current licensure with the Nursing Council of Kenya
• Certification in European Paediatric Life Support (EPLS)
• Demonstrate evidence-based knowledge of current practices in Neonatal critical care nursing
• Computer Literacy
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

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Job Summary

The study coordinator will coordinate and supervise members of the research team including fieldworkers/enumerators, research nurses and clinicians and laboratory technicians/technologists in the conduct of research activities which will include participant recruitment, data collection, sample collection and follow up. S/he will be involved in training of other study staff, creating, and managing work schedules and ensuring appropriate completion of assigned roles by other study staff. He/she will also be responsible for managing study documentation, study budgets, supplies, inventory, and transport. S/he will also represent the study to other partners and stakeholders. 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the coordination and execution of PROTECT and other related research project activities by ensuring timely initiation of planned activities and monitor progress throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain study Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) - Create and update comprehensive SOPs for study staff to ensure consistent and standardized conduct of study activities.
• Training of health facility clinical staff (e.g. Nurses, labtechs, health records staff) in their roles related to research activities e.g. Data collection, sample collection.
• Ensure adherence to the study protocol in all aspects of implementation by ensuring continued presence in the facilities and field sites.
• Make research contributions to any of the thematic areas of the PROTECT study based on their professional background/ training and experience in research.
• Work with the data manager to continuously monitor and advise the research team on the data quality issues including discrepancies, errors, and missing data.
• Assist the PI in planning for activities and costing them.
• Create and manage a well-organized and secure filing system for study documentation and correspondence.
• Participate in the recruitment of research staff by identifying staffing needs, preparing JDs, and supporting interviews and selection processes.
• Oversee the management of supplies, consumables, equipment, and staff travel.
• Prepare and disseminate written outputs including publications alongside other members of the research team.
• Liaison with central PROTECT team and teams within the other PROTECT country sites.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned by the PI.

Requirements

• A minimum of a foundational level professional training with direct application in a hospital setting e.g. Diploma in clinical medicine (Clinical officer), Diploma in nursing, Diploma in Laboratory technology, Diploma in health records.  A bachelor’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Good Clinical Practice Certification.
• Proven experience in study coordination or similar coordination role in a health research study conducted in a health facility is essential – Minimum duration of at least 2 years.
• Conversant with data collection and basic data management on research or clinical applications.
• Relevant experience in a health research environment including community and public health facility settings will be an added advantage.
• Relevant experience in large multi-country projects will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience working in AKU will be an added advantage.

Personal Characteristics and Behaviour

• Exceptional organization and time management skills
• Strong communication (written and verbal), interpersonal skills and ability to successfully work independently and as part of a team.
• Good verbal skills in Swahili will be an added advantage.
• A team player and able to work in a multicultural environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing project needs.

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Job Summary

The Research specialist will play a key role in the planning and implementation of research studies. These roles will include study design, protocol development, ethical and government approval processes, data collection, analysis, and reporting. S/he will contribute to existing qualitative research studies as well as lead sub-studies applying primarily qualitative methods. 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a community engagement strategy and plans for each research project and adapt these as necessary through the study cycles. This includes approaches for mobilisation, follow-up, and tracing of research participants.
• Engagement with Kilifi county department of health – This includes health administrators and managers and staff at health facilities and public health settings
• Supervise the community engagement team of staff i.e. Community based enumerators.
• Oversee setup and implementation of study awareness campaigns through community meetings, radio talks shows, posters, flyers, and other IEC materials.
• Support prudent allocation of resources to community and county engagement activities.
• Be the link between PROTECT research team and other COEWCH / AKU studies in the Coast sites and other research partners.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned by the PI.

Requirements

• Bachelors’ degree in community health, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Computer literacy with competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• At least 3 years’ progressive experience in community liaison or similar role is essential.
• Relevant experience in a health research environment including community and public health facility settings is essential.
• Experience in qualitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, is essential.
• Demonstrated excellent analytical, planning, management, and communication skills are essential.
• Relevant experience in large multi-country projects will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience working in AKU will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal skills in Swahili & Mijikenda will be an added advantage.

Personal Characteristics and Behaviour

• Good organizational and management skills.
• Attentive to detail and quality.
• Ability to work independently/ with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent mediation skills.
• A team player and able to work in a multicultural environment.