Job Purpose
The Specialist Nurse, Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) will play a critical role in providing high-quality post-operative care to patients recovering from cardiovascular, surgical and procedures in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit. The job holder is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, ensuring a smooth transition from the operating room to the recovery room.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physiological status upon arrival to the PACU, including vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans based on patient needs and medical orders.
- Monitor patients' vital signs, respiratory status, and cardiovascular function.
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician.
- Administer and titrate pain medications appropriately to manage postoperative pain effectively and minimize patient discomfort.
- Identify and manage post-operative complications such as bleeding, arrhythmias and respiratory diseases.
- Provide pain management interventions, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques.
Procedural Support
- Assist with the induction and emergence of anesthesia.
- Position patients for surgery and maintain patient safety during procedures.
- Assist with airway management and ventilation as needed.
- Monitor and manage patient temperature and prevent hypothermia.
- Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure a smooth and efficient surgical process.
Emergency Response
- Respond promptly to medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Initiate advanced life support measures, including CPR and defibrillation.
- Administer emergency medications and treatments.
Patient Education and Discharge Planning
- Educate patients and their families about post-operative care, pain management, and discharge instructions.
- Coordinate discharge planning with the healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition to home or a rehabilitation facility.
- Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families, addressing concerns and providing reassurance during recovery.
Safety and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with established standards of care, guidelines, and protocols for PACU nursing practice.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment.
- Adhere to strict infection prevention and control practices, including hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and proper disposal of sharps and biohazardous waste.
- Promptly report any adverse events or incidents to the appropriate authorities, including near misses and sentinel events.
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 cardiovascular care and anesthesia-related issues.
- Support the education and mentorship of junior nursing staff and students.
- Stay updated with research and evidence-based practices in PACU care.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Completion of post-basic training in perioperative nursing is an advantage.
Professional Requirements
- Valid nursing license
- Membership in relevant medical associations
- Advanced Life Support (ALS), Post-Anaesthesia care or other relevant certification is an added advantage
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a critical care setting. Experience in PACU or recovery settings preferred
- Direct experience in surgical settings, particularly cardiovascular and other major surgeries
- Proficiency in recognizing and responding to post-operative complication
Knowledge Requirements
- Strong knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and common cardiovascular surgeries (e.g., valve replacement)
- Knowledge in managing cardiovascular conditions, surgical interventions, and anaesthesia-related recovery.
- Expertise in airway management, monitoring techniques and emergency protocols
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.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- 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.
