Clinical Nurse, Critical Care Units

Job Title: Critical Care Nurse

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Critical Care Nurse to provide comprehensive care for critically ill patients. In this role, you will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care while collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial and ongoing patient assessments to identify care needs; develop and update written care plans based on changing conditions; monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Initiate cardiac monitoring (room and central); interpret monitor trends and communicate critical changes to the physician and Nurse Manager.
• Perform hemodynamic monitoring including CVP, ICP, neurological and fluid status; conduct lab, radiological, and ABG evaluations.
• Document all assessment data, investigation results, care provided, discussions with the multidisciplinary team, and family/patient interactions accurately, comprehensively, and in a timely manner.
• Prepare for and assist the physician during emergency procedures (e.g., intubation, insertion of invasive lines and drains) to ensure prompt control of the patient’s condition.
• Initiate mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive) per physician orders; assess patient readiness for weaning and implement weaning and extubation protocols.
• Maintain adequate airway management including oxygen therapy, nebulization, and suctioning.
• Perform pain assessments and initiate analgesia according to protocol.
• Set up and perform hemodialysis as instructed; care for patients undergoing hemodialysis and disconnect therapy upon completion.
• Administer all medications accurately per the treatment order sheet, with particular attention to inotropic support (dilution, calculation, and infusion).
• Identify patient and family education needs and implement appropriate teaching.
• Commence enteral feeds as prescribed; assess absorption and elimination and provide feedback as appropriate.
• Recognize patients in pre-arrest or arrest states; activate the Emergency Response Team and actively participate in resuscitation efforts.
• Provide a safe environment through adherence to infection control practices and safety policies; perform timely safety checks on beds, IV pumps, oxygen sources, ventilators, and cardiac monitors.
• Ensure judicious and efficient use of resources through accurate and timely billing of ward stock drugs and consumables.
• Care for equipment by proper cleaning, storage, per-shift inventory checks, and timely reporting and follow-up of non-functional equipment to the Nurse Manager.
• Participate in unit-based nursing education, quality improvement 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.
• Assist in other related Critical Care Units during low census periods as needed.
• Perform any other assignment 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) certification.
• Demonstrated evidence-based knowledge of current practices in Critical Care nursing.