Job Purpose
The Specialist Nurse (Outpatient Cardiology Clinic) will be responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients with cardiac conditions. He/She will carry out activities such as assessing patients, administering medications, educating patients, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals etc.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Care:
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients, including taking detailed medical histories, performing physical examinations, and reviewing diagnostic test results.
- Provide clear and concise patient education on cardiac conditions, medications, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies.
- Assist patients in managing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Respond to acute cardiac events and initiate appropriate interventions.
Clinical Procedures:
- Perform and interpret ECGs to identify arrhythmias, ischemia, and other cardiac abnormalities.
- Monitor blood pressure and identify hypertension or hypotension.
- Perform venipuncture to obtain blood samples for laboratory testing.
- Administer intravenous medications and fluids under the supervision of a physician.
- Perform point-of-care tests, such as rapid cardiac troponin tests and blood glucose monitoring.
Diagnostic Procedures:
- Assist with non-invasive cardiac procedures, such as stress tests, Holter monitoring, and echocardiograms.
- Collect and document patient data, including vital signs, symptoms, and test results.
Coordination and Collaboration:
- Work closely with cardiologists, other nurses, and allied health professionals to ensure seamless patient care.
- Coordinate referrals to other specialists as needed.
- Schedule and manage patient appointments efficiently.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
Quality Improvement and Research:
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes.
- Contribute to clinical research studies to advance the field of cardiology.
- Stay updated with the latest evidence-based guidelines and incorporate them into clinical practice.
Educational Requirements
- A relevant nursing degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Diploma in Nursing.
- A postgraduate qualification in cardiology nursing or a related specialty will be an added advantage.
- Registration with the appropriate nursing regulatory body.
Professional Requirements
- Specialized certifications in cardiac nursing or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) will be an added advantage.
- Current and valid nursing license
- Active participation in continuing education programs to maintain competency and stay updated on the latest advancements in cardiology.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience in a cardiology setting, with a focus on outpatient care.
- Proven ability to assess and manage patients with a wide range of cardiac conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and hypertensive heart disease.
- Extensive experience in performing and assisting with non-invasive cardiac procedures, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), stress tests, Holter monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring.
- Proficiency in administering medications, including intravenous medications, under the supervision of a physician.
- Experience in providing comprehensive patient education on cardiac conditions, medications, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cardiologists, other nurses, and allied health professionals.
- Involvement in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes.
- Experience in maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records.
- Ability to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies and initiate appropriate interventions.
- Experience in working with patients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Experience in telehealth or remote patient monitoring.
- Experience in clinical research or clinical trials.
- Experience in mentoring and supervising junior staff.
Knowledge Requirements
- In-depth understanding of the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
- Knowledge of the pathophysiology of various cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease.
- Understanding of cardiac medications, their indications, side effects, and interactions.
- Knowledge of various diagnostic tests used in cardiology, including ECGs, stress tests, echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterization.
- Knowledge of current clinical guidelines and best practices in cardiology.
- Knowledge of emergency procedures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
Skill Requirements
- Ability to assess and monitor patients' vital signs, cardiac symptoms, and overall condition.
- Effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Proficiency in performing ECGs, blood pressure measurements, and other clinical procedures.
- Ability to troubleshoot problems and make sound clinical decisions.
- Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in using electronic health records and other computer software.
Personal Abilities
- Ability to understand and respond to patients' emotional needs.
- Adherence to ethical principles and maintaining confidentiality.
- Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and patient care.
- Ability to adapt to changing clinical situations and priorities.
- Ability to work effectively with other healthcare professionals.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
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.
