CHEW Nurse at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

Job Summary:

• The Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) Nurse provides essential primary healthcare services, assists in clinical care, and promotes community health within the clinic. The CHEW is responsible for patient assessment, basic treatment, health education, and assisting medical officers in delivering quality healthcare services.

Key Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of primary healthcare practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong sense of responsibility and confidentiality.
• Commitment to patient welfare and community health improvement.

Specific Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Attend to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or medical officer.
• Conduct basic physical examinations, record vital signs, and document patient information.
• Administer prescribed medications and injections as directed.
• Provide wound dressing, first aid, and other minor clinical procedures.
• Assist in antenatal, postnatal, and immunization services.

Health Education & Counseling

• Educate patients and community members on preventive health measures, hygiene, and nutrition.
• Conduct health talks and awareness programs within the clinic and community.
• Provide counseling on family planning, maternal and child health, and communicable disease prevention.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records and clinic registers.
• Assist in compiling and submitting health reports and statistics to the clinic head.
• Ensure proper documentation of drugs dispensed and medical supplies used.

Community Outreach

• Participate in outreach programs, immunization campaigns, and health screenings.
• Identify and refer patients requiring higher-level medical attention to appropriate health facilities.

Operational & Team Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the clinic environment.
• Ensure availability and proper storage of medical supplies and consumables.
• Work collaboratively with other health workers to deliver efficient and patient-centered care.

Required Experience

Required Experience for a CHEW Nurse in a Clinic

Clinical Experience:

• Minimum of 2–3 years of practical experience in a primary healthcare or clinical setting.
• Demonstrated ability to provide basic nursing and midwifery care, including vital signs monitoring, wound dressing, and medication administration.

Patient Care & Health Education:

• Proven experience in community health outreach, health education, and patient counseling on preventive and promotive health practices.
• Skilled in identifying and managing common ailments, communicable diseases, and minor injuries.

Maternal and Child Health:

• Experience assisting with antenatal, postnatal, and child welfare services, including immunization and growth monitoring.

Record Keeping & Reporting:

• Competence in maintaining accurate patient records, filling medical forms, and preparing daily/weekly clinical reports.

Emergency Response:

• Ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies and provide first aid or basic life support when needed.

Teamwork & Professional Conduct:

• Experience working collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and professional standards.

Technical Skills (Desirable):

• Familiarity with basic computer applications for electronic medical records.
• Experience using simple diagnostic tools such as BP monitors, glucometers, and thermometers.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Must possess a National Diploma or Certificate in Community Health Extension (CHEW or JCHEW) from a recognized institution.
• Must be licensed by the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN).
• Minimum of 1–3 years working experience in a clinic or healthcare setting.
• Basic computer literacy is an advantage.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and patient management skills.