Perioperative Nurse at Ascentech Services Limited

Job Summary

• The Perioperative Nurse will provide safe, high-quality nursing care to patients throughout the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of surgical care.
• The role involves preparing patients for surgery, maintaining a safe and sterile operating environment, supporting surgeons and anaesthesia teams during procedures, monitoring patients, assisting with surgical instrumentation and equipment, and ensuring appropriate post-operative care and documentation.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate strong clinical judgement, knowledge of surgical procedures and instruments, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced theatre environment.

Key Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Care:

• Assess and prepare patients for scheduled surgical procedures.
• Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, consent, investigations, allergies, and other required pre-operative information.
• Monitor and document patients' vital signs and clinical condition.
• Provide patients and families with appropriate information and reassurance before surgery.
• Administer prescribed pre-operative medications and treatments.
• Ensure patients are appropriately prepared and positioned for surgery.
• Communicate relevant patient information to surgeons, anaesthetists, and other members of the surgical team.

Intra-Operative / Theatre Responsibilities:

• Prepare the operating theatre, surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and consumables before procedures.
• Function effectively as a scrub nurse and/or circulating nurse as assigned.
• Maintain strict aseptic and sterile techniques throughout surgical procedures.
• Assist surgeons by preparing and passing appropriate instruments and supplies.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team during procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning while ensuring patient safety and dignity.
• Conduct and document instrument, swab, needle, and other surgical counts in accordance with established protocols.
• Monitor patients throughout procedures and promptly report abnormalities or complications.
• Assist the anaesthesia team as required.
• Ensure appropriate handling, labelling, and transfer of surgical specimens.
• Participate in surgical safety briefings, time-outs, and relevant surgical safety checklist procedures.

Post-Operative Care:

• Monitor patients following surgery and assess their recovery.
• Monitor vital signs, pain levels, wound condition, fluid balance, and other relevant parameters.
• Identify and promptly escalate post-operative complications or abnormal findings.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments.
• Provide patients and families with appropriate post-operative care information.
• Ensure safe transfer of patients to the recovery area, ward, ICU, or other designated unit.
• Document all relevant post-operative care and interventions.

Infection Prevention & Patient Safety:

• Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control within the theatre environment.
• Ensure appropriate sterilization and handling of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Comply with hospital policies, clinical protocols, and patient-safety standards.
• Ensure proper disposal of medical and surgical waste.
• Identify and report safety risks, equipment faults, incidents, and near misses.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and respect patients' rights and dignity.

Equipment & Theatre Management:

• Ensure surgical instruments, equipment, medications, and consumables are available before procedures.
• Check the functionality and readiness of theatre equipment.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels and report shortages promptly.
• Participate in inventory management and proper storage of surgical supplies.
• Report damaged, missing, expired, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Support the maintenance of an organized and efficient theatre environment.

Documentation & Quality Improvement:

• Maintain accurate and timely patient and theatre records.
• Document nursing interventions, surgical procedures, medications, observations, and incidents appropriately.
• Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the review and improvement of theatre procedures and workflows.
• Participate in departmental meetings, training, and continuous professional development.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) practising licence.
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BNSc) or equivalent qualification is an advantage.
• Post-basic qualification or training in Perioperative/Theatre Nursing is highly desirable.
• 3–4 years of relevant experience in perioperative, operating theatre, surgical nursing, ICU, or a related clinical environment.
• Experience in a tertiary hospital or major surgical setting is an advantage.
• Experience in cardiac/cardiothoracic surgery would be highly advantageous where applicable.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• ACLS certification is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of surgical instruments, theatre procedures, aseptic techniques, and infection prevention.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary surgical team.
• Strong clinical assessment and emergency-response skills.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.