Nurse Anaesthetist

The Department of Health Services invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Nurse Anaesthetist.

Mandate

To manage and coordinate the overall functioning of the Anaesthetic Unit (Anaesthesia and Recovery) ensuring the day to day clinical functions of the Unit.

Key Functions

• Administer and monitor patients/clients during the peri-operative phases of anaesthesia in accordance with established quality assurance standards and specifications.
• Work in collaboration and consultation with Medical Specialists in accordance with established professional standards and best practices to achieve optimal patient care.
• Work in collaboration with the Anaesthesiologist in administering general regional and local anaesthesia.
• Participate in the review, update and development of policies, procedures and guidelines in relation to the Anaesthetic and Recovery units.
• Support the Director of Nursing Services in Human Resources/ Employee Relations recruitment and retention relative to Nursing Services.

Key Duties

• Manage and coordinate the overall functioning of the Anaesthetic Unit ensuring day to day clinical functions as delegated.
• Evaluate the physical and psycho-social health status of the patient in accordance with prescribed standards and best practices.
• Provide written reports related to anaesthesia.
• Participate in the procurement of anaesthetic equipment, drugs and supplies and maintain adequate stocks ensuring they are stored safely and used appropriately.
• Plan and coordinate the daily activities of the Anaesthetic Unit of the Operating Theatre.
• Conduct routine safety checks on all equipment and anaesthetic drugs.
• Conduct routine checks of all crash carts at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, MGSCH and Polyclinics and update managers accordingly.
• Select and provide anaesthesia, monitor anaesthetic care and regional anaesthesia in collaboration with the Anaesthesiologist and as required.
• Perform pre-anaesthetic interviews, explain procedure and counsel patients as required. Request diagnostic investigation and analyse results to determine patient fitness for anaesthesia. 
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care through effective nursing practices, evidence-based interventions, and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to patient-centered care practices, ensuring that patients’ preferences, needs, and values guide clinical decisions.
• Participate the use of electronic medical records to improve clinical documentation, care coordination, and patient outcomes.
• Request diagnostic investigation and analyze results to determine patient fitness for anaesthesia.
• Manage patient(s) airway and pulmonary status using laryngeal mask airways, endotracheal intubations, mechanical ventilation and oxygenation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy or extubation.
• Identify abnormal findings from the monitoring of patients, implement corrective action and consult with the Anaesthesiologist and the Surgeon on high-risk patients and appropriate action(s) to be taken.
• Maintain a high standard of discipline and professional ethics.
• Ensure that nursing (Anaesthetic) care is administered in accordance with safety regulation and anaesthetic standards.
• Evaluate the patient’s response during emergence from anaesthesia and implement. Pharmaceutical and support treatment to ensure the adequacy of client’s recovery from Anaesthesia.
• Identify and request approach level and skills mix of nursing support to assist with the management of post-operative care of the patient.
• Relay written and oral reports of immediate post-operative status of the patient to the recovery room Nurse.  Liaise with the nurse on the progress of the patient during the recovery phase.
• Provide post anaesthesia follow up care, including evaluating the client’s response to anaesthesia, recognizing potential anaesthesia complication(s), implementing corrective action and requesting consultation with appropriately qualified health care professional as necessary.
•  Identify, respond and manage emergency situations including initiating and participating in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (Advanced Cardiac Life Support – ACLS) (Basic Cardiac Life Support – BCLS).
• Participate in the care for critically ill patients as requested by Managers and Staff Nurses.
• Orient and educate Nurses and other relevant health personnel in the use of emergency monitoring modalities and basic principles of anaesthesia.
• Participate in the development of Nursing Standards related to general nursing care.
• Participate in relevant research projects and keep abreast of current practices and new developments for the delivery of safe anaesthetic care.
• Participate in the procurement of Anaesthetic drugs.
• Formulate objectives and participate in regular performance evaluations with DNS and Anaesthesiologist.
• Participate in the development of all hazard response plans and ensure that all staff are knowledgeable of the written plan.
• Support the Director of Nursing Services in Human Resources/ Employee Relations recruitment and retention relative to Nursing Services.
• Be knowledgeable of the written Disaster Preparedness Plan and his/her role in the event of any disaster.
• Attend workshops, conferences, seminars and related training both local and overseas.
• Participate in the development, promotion and implementation of the Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Participate in quality improvement programmes activities.

SCOPE OF THE JOB

The job carries the responsibility for the management and coordination of the daily activities of the Anaesthetic Division of the Operating Theatre. In addition, the job carries the responsibility for planning, organizing, implementing, reporting and coordinating the anaesthetic services to ensure the provision of nursing/anaesthetic care to clients/patients

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must possess well developed theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in nursing and anaesthetic operations and current trends in anaesthesia, possess sound judgement, integrity, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to perform effectively and efficiently in emergency situations.  Must demonstrate effective leadership and managerial skills as well as the ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal skills.

Such knowledge, skills and abilities are obtained in the acquisition of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Diploma/Degree in Nurse Anaesthesiology, Certificates in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP), Paediatric Advance Life Support (PALS), and at least three (3) years’ experience in a similar or related job.,