Senior Specialist Nurse Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Job description

Job Purpose The Senior Specialist Nurse PACU role is critical in ensuring patient safety and comfort as they recover from the effects of anaesthesia and surgical interventions. The Senior Specialist Nurse PACU is responsible for continuous monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory status, and oxygen saturation, to detect any signs of distress or complications, such as airway obstruction, hypoxia, haemorrhage, or cardiovascular instability. The Senior Specialist Nurse PACU plays a pivotal role in mentoring junior nurses within the team, maintaining a safe, calm, and efficient environment, adhering to stringent protocols and guidelines to deliver the highest standards of patient-centered care. Core Responsibilities Leadership: Act as a clinical leader in the PACU, providing guidance and mentorship to junior nurses and support staff. Lead by example in promoting best practices, patient safety, and adherence to recovery protocols. Participate in the orientation and training of new PACU staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Lead post-operative debriefings to discuss patient outcomes, share learning points, and identify areas for improvement. Strategic Development Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based recovery protocols and guidelines in the PACU. Support quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and minimizing complications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate and adopt new technologies or methods that improve post-anesthesia care. Engage in research activities to advance nursing practice within the PACU setting. Governance Ensure compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and national standards for post-anesthesia care, including infection control, patient monitoring, and medication management. Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of patient care, assessments, and interventions in accordance with professional and legal standards. Participate in clinical audits, incident reporting, and risk management activities to improve patient safety and care quality. Implement changes in PACU practice in response to audit findings, updated guidelines, or safety alerts. Other Responsibilities Conduct thorough assessments of patients upon admission to the PACU, including airway management, pain assessment, and monitoring for signs of complications. Administer medications, fluids, and interventions as prescribed to stabilize and support patients during the recovery phase. Provide ongoing patient and family education regarding post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and signs of potential complications. Assist in the safe transfer of patients from the PACU to other care units or discharge areas, ensuring continuity of care and effective communication. Ensuring clinical practice is based on validated research, and participating in quality assessment, research and clinical audits. In collaboration Head of Nursing and the Chief Nursing Officer, upholds the code of conduct and professional scope of practice of the nursing profession. Equality and Diversity Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the Estates and Facilities department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place. Personal and Staff Development Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team. Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company. Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management. Communications And Working Relationships Collaborate closely with anaesthetists, surgeons, operating room staff, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care. Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing information and reassurance during the recovery process. Work with other departments, such as surgical wards and intensive care units, to facilitate smooth patient transfers and continuity of care. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions to optimize patient outcomes. Line Management Support the PACU Nurse Manager in managing staffing levels, scheduling shifts, and coordinating team activities. Supervise and provide guidance to junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and other support staff in the PACU. Assist in conducting performance appraisals, identifying training needs, and providing development opportunities for PACU staff. Participate in the recruitment and induction of new nursing staff within the PACU. Organizational Responsibilities Report to the PACU Nurse Manager or Head of Perioperative Services, contributing to the strategic planning and development of PACU services. Represent the PACU in hospital-wide committees and working groups focused on patient safety, clinical governance, and quality improvement. Support the hospital’s accreditation and compliance processes by ensuring adherence to PACU care standards Engage in initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care outcomes and staff well-being within the PACU. Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid nursing license. A degree in nursing or currently enrolled in nursing degree program. Meet all requirement to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Specialized training or certification relevant to the role (e.g., ICU, or PACU). Advanced degree (e.g., master’s in nursing) or relevant specialty certification is desirable 7 years+ post registered nurse qualification experience Significant clinical experience in the relevant specialty (at least 5 years). Experience with advanced procedures and patient care in the specific area of expertise. Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and manage specialized equipment. Inspirational and visible leader, with first class communication skills, capable of engaging audiences at all levels Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems related to the department Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels Well-developed management skills, with the ability to build and lead large teams Highly effective influencing and negotiating skills, with the ability to develop partnerships and alliances across a diverse range of stakeholders Politically astute and resilient, with the ability to manage conflict and ambiguity Outcome focused, with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward Financially literate and commercially astute, with a sophisticated understanding of commercially orientated performance and financial management including contract management Shares the AMCE’s vision and values Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient 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. We welcome applications from qualified applicants across Africa. The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in partnership with King's College Hospital London (KCH) is seeking talented individuals to fill the role of Senior Specialist Nurse Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja), a multi-specialty medical institution developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King's College Hospital London (KCH) aims to revolutionize healthcare in Africa. Established to address critical gaps, the AMCE Abuja is committed to providing world-class care through innovative research, development, and education. The partnership with King's College Hospital ensures global expertise, world-class clinical training, research, and professional development. The Centre will offer comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare across the continent, with plans for expansion. The construction phase, supported by global partners, precedes a phased rollout over six years, evolving into a 500-bed facility. Set to commence operations in early 2025, this flagship facility in Abuja is a key part of Afreximbank’s network of healthcare facilities, actively countering brain drain, reducing medical tourism by offering advanced procedures such as stem cell transplantation and state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases, and fostering employment opportunities. The vision for the AMCE initiative is to shape a healthier and more educated future for Africa. Please click to learn more about AMCE: AMCE: Revolutionizing Healthcare and AMCE Facility Tour