Job Description
Job Purpose
The Ward Nurse will be responsible for providing high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals admitted for medical and/or surgical treatment. He/ She will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care to ensure safety, comfort and effective recovery. The Ward Nurse will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes and maintain a safe and efficient ward environment.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients by monitoring vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse) and analyzing physical conditions.
- Conduct wound assessments and dress them accordingly ensuring aseptic techniques are adhered to prevent infection and ensure healing.
- Monitor patient’s pain levels, ensuring the adequate and appropriate administration of pain relief strategies.
- Ensure the accurate documentation of fluid intake/output and monitor patients for signs of dehydration, overhydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Medication Administration and Monitoring
- Appropriately administer prescribed medications and monitor patients for any adverse changes or side effects and report to the right medical personnel.
- Administer medications accurately and safely, including oral, parenteral, and topical medications.
- Ensure proper documentation of medication administration and patient response.
- Document vital signs accurately and promptly.
- Identify and respond to abnormal vital signs and report any significant changes to the healthcare team.
Safety, Wound Care and Infection Prevention
- Perform wound care procedures, including dressing changes and debridement, as prescribed.
- Monitor for signs of infection and implement appropriate infection prevention measures.
- Ensure that patients environments are clean, safe, and conducive for recovery, following AMCE health and safety guidelines.
Patient and Family Education:
- Provide clear and concise patient education on health conditions, medications, procedures, and discharge instructions.
- Address patient and family concerns and answer questions in a compassionate and informative manner.
- Provide guidance and support on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and hygiene especially when managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or surgical recovery.
- Provide instructions and guidance to patients and families on wound care and hygiene to improve healing.
- Encourage patient participation in their own care and promote self-management strategies.
Documentation and Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes.
- Adhere to all relevant policies and procedures for documentation and record-keeping.
- Utilize electronic health records effectively to facilitate communication and improve patient care.
Team Management
- Carry outward activities to ensure appropriate resource allocation and quality services to patients and their families.
- Assist in the management of patient discharges, ensuring they are done in a safe and timely manner with the appropriate follow-up instructions.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Advanced training in surgical nursing, wound care or related clinical modules/workshops is an advantage.
Professional Requirements
- Valid nursing license
- Membership in relevant medical associations
- Basic Life Support or other speciality certifications is an advantage
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years clinical experience in a hospital
- Specific experience in medical-surgical nursing, including managing patients with a variety of medical and surgical conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, pneumonia, post-operative care, and wound care.
- Experience managing patients with complex, multi-disciplinary needs
Competency Requirements
Knowledge Requirements
- A deep understanding of common medical and surgical conditions, including their pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment modalities.
- Knowledge of common diagnostic tests and procedures, such as blood tests, X-rays, and endoscopies
- Familiarity with various medical equipment, including infusion pumps, oxygen therapy devices, and monitoring equipment.
- In-depth knowledge of medications commonly used in medical-surgical settings, including their indications, dosages, side effects, and contraindications.
- Understanding of medication administration routes and techniques, such as oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous
- Ability to calculate medication dosages accurately and safely.
- Knowledge of standard precautions and transmission-based precautions to prevent the spread of infections.
- Understanding of aseptic techniques for wound care and other invasive procedures.
- Familiarity with hospital-acquired infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning
Skill Requirements
- Effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members
- Strong clinical assessment, problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in sensitive situations.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in patient assessment and critical-thinking abilities to prioritize patient safety.
- Strong collaborative skills to work seamlessly within a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
- Good leadership skills to mentor junior staff and take initiative
Personal Abilities
- Professional attitude towards work
- Shares the AMCE’s vision.
- Proactive and organized
- Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care.
- Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers.
- Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
- Ability to manage stress and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
- High attention to detail
- Openness to new ideas and continuous improvement
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- High levels of honesty and integrity
- Empathy and compassion for patients, with a focus on delivering patient-centred care