Job Purpose
The Specialist Nurse ICU is a highly skilled and experienced nurse responsible for providing specialized care to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This role involves assessing patient conditions, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and performing complex procedures. The nurse works collaboratively to optimize patient outcomes and ensure the highest standards of care.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of critically ill cardiovascular patients, including vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and hemodynamic parameters.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans based on patient needs and evidence-based practices.
- Administer advanced life support (ALS) and intensive care procedures as required, including ventilator management and invasive monitoring.
- Administer medications and treatments, including complex intravenous therapies and invasive procedures.
- Monitor patient response to interventions and adjust care plans as needed.
- Provide emotional support to patients and families during critical times.
- Provide post-operative care to patients, ensuring optimal recovery and early detection of complications.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of evidence-based protocols and guidelines.
Specialized Medication Administration
- Administer cardiovascular medications, including antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, vasopressors and inotropes.
- Administer and monitor titration of medications that require precise dosing based on real-tie patient data, like vasodilators or diuretics.
- Assist with or perform defibrillation or cardioversion as needed in response to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Emergency Response
- Respond promptly to cardiac arrests and other emergency situations.
- Initiate advanced life support measures, including CPR and defibrillation.
- Collaborate with the medical team to provide timely and effective intervention.
- Utilize critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess patient conditions, prioritize interventions, and make timely decisions.
Patient and Family Education
- Educate patients and families about cardiovascular diseases, prevention, medications and lifestyle changes.
- Provide emotional support and counseling, helping patients and families understand the treatment process and manage expectations.
- Engage in or lead cardiovascular health screening events or community outreach programs to promote heart health.
Safety and Compliance
- Actively participate in risk management and clinical governance activities to maintain and improve patient safety standards.
- Ensure proper documentation of patient care, including assessments, treatments, and interventions in line with ethical standards.
- Act as a liaison between ICU team, cardiology, and surgical teams, ensuring seamless care coordination
Quality Improvement
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines.
- Collect and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Training and Professional Development
- Contribute to ongoing education programs for nursing staff and assist with training on ICU care and related issues.
- Support the education and mentorship of junior nursing staff and students.
- Stay updated with research and evidence-based practices in ICU care.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- A postgraduate qualification in critical care nursing, cardiology, or a related field is an added advantage.
Professional Requirements
- Valid nursing license
- Membership in relevant medical associations
- Relevant certifications in critical care nursing or specific cardiac procedures are an added advantage
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years progressive nursing experience in a critical care setting, with a strong focus on cardiovascular care
- Proven track record in managing critically ill patients, including those with complex cardiac conditions
- Experience in leading and supervising a team of nurses in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices in cardiovascular nursing and the ability to apply them to patient care
Knowledge Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
- Demonstrated expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of critically ill cardiovascular patients.
- Proficiency in advanced cardiac life support, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, and other specialized procedures
- Deep understanding of the human cardiovascular system, including cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and valvular heart disease
- Proficiency in interpreting and managing hemodynamic parameters (e.g., arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure)
- In-depth knowledge of medications used in critical care, including vasoactive drugs, anticoagulants, and sedatives
Skill Requirements
- Effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in sensitive situations.
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Proficiency in using ultrasound for various diagnostic purposes, such as assessing fluid status and guiding procedures.
- Proficiency in patient assessment and critical-thinking abilities to prioritize patient safety.
- Strong collaborative skills to work seamlessly within a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
- Good leadership skills to mentor junior staff and take initiative
Personal Abilities
- Professional attitude towards work
- Shares the AMCE’s vision
- Proactive and organized
- Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
- Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers
- Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
- Ability to manage stress and maintain composure in high-pressure situations
- High attention to detail
- Openness to new ideas and continuous improvement
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- High levels of honesty and integrity
- Empathy and compassion for patients, with a focus on delivering patient-centred care
African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.
