Emergency Nurse at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Objective

• The Emergency Nurse will provide immediate, high-quality care in critical situations, assisting in stabilizing patients and supporting doctors during emergencies. The role holder will be responsible for rapid patient assessment, critical intervention, stabilization, and efficient management of acute and critically ill patients. The Emergency Nurse will also coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, prioritize care based on urgency, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure adherence to international emergency care standards and AMCE’s policies.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Rapid Patient Assessment and Stabilization

• Conduct triage to prioritize patient care based on the severity of their condition.
• Perform rapid assessments, monitoring vital signs, and identifying critical symptoms.
• Initiate life-saving interventions such as CPR and wound care when necessary.
• Administer IVs, medications, and other immediate treatments as ordered.
• Prepare patients for further diagnostic tests or specialist consultations.

Emergency Interventions & Stabilization

• Initiate and perform life-saving interventions, including basic and advanced cardiac life support (BLS/ACLS).
• Administer emergency medications and intravenous fluids as per physician orders and protocols.
• Manage airways, assist with intubation, and provide respiratory support.
• Perform wound care, apply splints, and assist with minor surgical procedures.
• Monitor patient response to interventions and adjust care as needed.
• Prepare patients for rapid transfer to higher levels of care or other departments.

Crisis Management & Resuscitation

• Lead or actively participate in resuscitation efforts for critically ill or injured patients.
• Manage multiple priorities and maintain composure in high-stress emergency situations.
• Coordinate effectively with the resuscitation team members.
• Operate and troubleshoot emergency equipment (e.g., defibrillator, ventilator, monitors).
• Document all interventions and patient responses during resuscitation events.
• Participate in post-resuscitation debriefings for continuous learning.

Trauma Care Management

• Participate in the initial assessment and stabilization of trauma patients.
• Assist with trauma team activation and coordination of care.
• Provide wound management, hemorrhage control, and fracture immobilization.
• Monitor for signs of shock and other trauma-related complications.
• Prepare patients for diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions.
• Collaborate with surgical and critical care teams for ongoing management.

Medication Administration & Management

• Administer medications safely and accurately, adhering to the "five rights" of medication administration.
• Monitor patients closely for adverse drug reactions and report promptly to the medical team.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of all medications, including controlled substances.
• Maintain accurate and complete medication administration records.
• Educate patients and families on emergency medications as appropriate.
• Identify and report medication errors or near misses.

Patient & Family Support/Education

• Provide emotional support and comfort to patients and families during stressful emergency situations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely with patients and families about their condition and plan of care.
• Educate patients and families on immediate post-ED care instructions and follow-up.
• Address patient and family concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Facilitate communication between families and the medical team.
• Connect patients and families with social work or spiritual care as needed.

Team Collaboration and Crisis Management

• Coordinate with the ED team to ensure smooth patient flow in critical situations.
• Communicate with paramedics, ICU staff, and other departments for patient transfers.
• Participate in emergency drills and simulations to maintain readiness.
• Support the ED team with workload management during peak times.
• Act as a mentor for junior ED nurses, offering guidance and support as needed.

Adherence to Protocols and Safety Standards

• Follow all emergency care protocols and guidelines for patient safety.
• Practice infection control measures diligently, especially during invasive procedures.
• Report safety hazards or equipment malfunctions for immediate resolution.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance emergency care standards.
• Document patient care accurately, adhering to hospital and legal standards.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Communication
• Collaborate effectively with emergency physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely verbal and written handovers to receiving units/departments.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions regarding patient management and disposition.
• Communicate patient status changes and critical information promptly to the medical team.
• Promote a collaborative and respectful working environment within the ED.
• Act as a liaison between the patient/family and the healthcare team.

Documentation & Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and timely electronic health record documentation for all patient encounters.
• Ensure all entries reflect the nursing process, interventions, and patient outcomes.
• Complete all necessary forms and requisitions for diagnostic tests and transfers.
• Adhere to legal and ethical standards for patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Document all critical communications and significant events clearly.
• Participate in documentation audits to ensure compliance and quality.

Qualifications

Education, Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution OR Diploma in Nursing with post-basic training
• Valid nursing license.
• Current certifications in BLS and ACLS. PALS and TNCC are highly desirable.
• Proficiency in rapid patient assessment, critical care interventions, and emergency medication administration.
• Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and emergency department information systems.
• In-depth knowledge of international patient safety standards and emergency care guidelines.