Clinical Nurse, Critical Care Units

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, ICP, neurological and fluid status; 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 and drains
• Initiates mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive) based on physician orders
• Assess patient’s readiness for weaning and implement the weaning and extubation protocols
• Maintain adequate airway management to include oxygen therapy, nebulization and suctioning
• Perform pain assessment and initiate analgesia as per protocol
• Be able to perform hemodialysis as instructed, care for patient undergoing hemodialysis and disconnect patient from the Hemodialysis upon completion of the therapy
• Accurately administer all medication as per the treatment order sheet. Particular attention is drawn to inotropic support: dilution, calculation and infusion
• Identify patient and family education needs and implement appropriate teaching 
• Be able to commence enteral feeds as prescribed, assess absorption and elimination and give feedback as appropriate
• Be able to recognize a patient in a pre- arrest or arrest states, and to activate Emergency Response Team and actively participate in the resuscitation of the patient
• Provide safe environment for patients through adherence to infection control practices and other safety policies, and perform timely safety checks on beds, IV pumps, oxygen source, ventilators and cardiac monitors. 
• Be accountable for judicious and efficient use of resources i.e. accurate and timely billing of ward stock drugs and consumables
• Care for equipment through proper cleaning, storage, per shift check of the inventory and timely reporting and follow up of nonfunctional equipment to the nurse manager
• Participate in unit based nursing education, quality improvement (QI) projects, clinical care program certification (CCPC), audits, spot checks and skill checks
• Participate in orientation of new staff and provide mentorship to junior nurses and students
• Participate in unit based nursing education, quality improvement (QI) projects, audits, spot checks and skill checks
•   Assist in other related Critical Care Units in time of low census
•   Any other assignment that is deemed appropriate for this level.

Requirements:

• Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing from a recognized school of nursing or University
• Current licensure with the Nursing Council of Kenya
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Demonstrate evidence based knowledge of current practices in Critical Care nursing