Job Summary
The Specialist Nurse Theatre (Operating Theatre) is responsible for providing expert nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures within the operating theatre. This role involves a wide range of duties, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, as well as the management of the surgical team and the operating room environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of surgical procedures, advanced clinical skills, and a strong commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Core Responsibilities
Preoperative Preparation and Care
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients prior to surgery, including reviewing medical histories, allergies and current health conditions.
- Prepare the operating room for surgeries, ensure all the necessary equipment, instruments and supplies are available and sterile.
- Conduct preoperative assessments, review patient history, verify the surgical procedure and assess for any.
- Monitor patient’s vital signs, fluid levels and positioning, communicate any changes or concerns to the surgical team.
Intraoperative Assistance
- Assist the surgical team during procedures, including positioning patients, handing instruments, and monitoring vital signs.
- Administer anesthesia and other medications as directed by the anesthetist.
- Maintain a sterile field and adhering to strict infection control protocols.
- Monitor patient's vital signs and anesthesia status, promptly reporting any deviations to the anesthesiologist or surgeon.
- Support the surgeon in performing complex procedures including orthopedic, cardiac or neurosurgical surgeries.
- Prepare, handle and manage the use of surgical instruments and equipment unique to each procedure.
- Manage surgical drains, catheters and other procedural devices, ensuring proper placement and use.
Postoperative Support and Monitoring
- Monitor patients in the recovery post-surgery, assessing vital signs, oxygenation and pain levels.
- Transfer patients from the operating room to the recovery unit, ensuring safe handling and positioning.
- Conduct postoperative assessments and medication, monitor patient’s condition, observing for signs of complications.
- Communicate the patient’s status and needs to the post-anesthesia care team.
- Educate patients on wound care, medication management, and signs of potential complications after discharge.
Safety and Compliance
- Coordinate and manage surgical instruments, ensuring they are accounted for before, during, and after the surgery.
- Maintain a high level of operational readiness in the theatre environment, ensuring that all equipment is functioning and available for procedures.
- Ensure adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control measures to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
- Ensure proper sterilization and disinfection of surgical instruments and equipment
- Uphold high standards of patient safety and care, adhering to relevant protocols and guidelines.
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
- Ensure that all staff in the operating room are properly trained and adhere to AMCE policies and safety standards.
- Contribute to ongoing education programs for nursing staff and assist with training on theatre care and related issues
- Stay updated with research and evidence-based practices in theatre care.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution
Professional Requirements
- Valid nursing license
- Membership in relevant medical associations
- Additional certifications or training in specific surgical specialities is an added advantage
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a surgical care setting
- Experience in managing or leading surgical teams is an advantage
- Experience in the operating theatre environment, including knowledge of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and patient care in the perioperative period
Knowledge Requirements
- Advanced clinical knowledge in perioperative nursing, including surgical procedures and critical care.
- Strong knowledge of anaesthesia, and sterile techniques
- Proficiency in aseptic techniques, surgical instrumentation and infection control.
- Proficient in advanced wound care, pain management and postoperative assessment
- Proven knowledge of emergency response protocols in the operating theatre.
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.
