OR/PACU Nurse at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The OR/PACU Nurse will provide expert, compassionate nursing care to patients throughout the perioperative journey, from the operating room (OR) to the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The role holder will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of patient safety, aseptic technique, and clinical excellence. They will collaborate closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, and the multidisciplinary team to deliver seamless, patient-centered care in a dynamic environment.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Pre-Operative and Intra-Operative Care 

•  Prepare the operating room with sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies required for surgical procedures.
• Function as a scrub nurse (preparing and passing instruments) or a circulating nurse (managing the overall nursing care in the OR).
• Monitor and maintain strict aseptic technique throughout surgical procedures to prevent infection.
• Accurately account for all surgical instruments, swabs, and needles before, during, and after procedures.
• Provide direct assistance to the surgical team as required.

Post-Anaesthesia Care (PACU) 

• Provide intensive nursing care and continuous monitoring of patients recovering from anaesthesia.
• Assess and manage patient pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms effectively.
• Monitor vital signs, neurological status, and surgical sites for signs of complications.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and oxygen as prescribed.
• Ensure clear and accurate handover of patient care to ward nurses upon meeting discharge criteria.

Patient Advocacy and Safety

• Serve as a patient advocate before, during, and after surgery, ensuring their dignity and safety are maintained.
• Participate in pre-operative patient verification and surgical site marking processes.
• Respond swiftly and competently to emergency situations in the OR or PACU.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, perioperative team members, and other hospital departments.
• Provide clear and compassionate communication to patients and their families regarding the perioperative process.
• Document all aspects of patient care accurately and in a timely manner within the patient’s medical record.

Equipment and Compliance 

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain complex OR and PACU equipment.
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols, hospital policies, and international healthcare accreditation standards.
• Participate in stock management, inventory control, and ordering of supplies for the OR/PACU units.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent.
• Post-basic certificate or diploma in Perioperative Nursing or Critical Care Nursing (essential).
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and/or Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is highly desirable. 

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of post-registration nursing experience.
• Proven experience working in both the Operating Room and the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit.
• Competency in a wide range of surgical specialties.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Experience in an international or JCI-accredited hospital is preferred.