JOB SUMMARY

Nurses care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled.  Nurses deliver individualised care to patients utilising the nursing processes of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation, in accordance with established nursing practice, ethics and Saint James Hospital Policies.  Nurses need to monitor patients, administer medication, maintain records, consult with healthcare providers, and also educate patients. Nurses collaborate with other professional healthcare disciplines to ensure safe and effective patient care delivery and achievement of the desired patient outcomes. Nurses need to interact with the patient, relatives and the multidisciplinary team whilst maintaining a high standard of professional nursing.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO PROVIDE A HIGH STANDARD OF NURSING CARE

• Provide bedside care for a wide variety of medical patients, including pre- and post-surgery patients.
• Consult and coordinate with the health care team to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Assess, implement, plan and evaluate nursing care plans by working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Record and maintain accurate and complete health care records including vital signs and medical information.
• Monitor, report and record symptoms or changes in the patients’ condition.
• Prepare and administer medications as prescribed, and record all entries of medication administration accurately.
• Respond immediately to life-saving/emergency care situations.
• Actively lead and participate in the discharge planning process.
• Foster a supportive and compassionate environment to care for patients and their families.

OTHER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To be courteous and professional, at all times, with both clients, colleagues and service providers.
• To report all incidents and accidents appropriately and in a timely manner.
• To abide by Company policies and protocols, at all times, and to ensure implementation of new protocols, as required.
• To carry out other departmental duties as required and requested within the remit of a professional nurse.
• To be responsible and accountable for own nursing practice and actions.
• To ensure a safe hygienic environment is maintained for the benefit of patients/clients, staff and visitors.
• To contribute to the general management and day to day workings of the unit by being an effective member of the clinical team and supporting senior staff.
• To maintain and develop professional knowledge and competence. Ensure all mandatory training is current and updated accordingly.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Recovery Room Nurse monitors patients when they are still under the effects of anaesthesia. Recovery room nurses must be registered nurses who have been extensively trained in critical care. It is essential that a high standard of nursing care is maintained. The role should be carried out in professional manner and in accordance with Saint James Hospital policies and protocols.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Providing constant care to patients immediately following surgery, until the patient is stable enough either to be transported to his hospital room or discharged from the facility.
• Connecting the patient to devices such as cardiac monitoring equipment, and to intravenous therapy for fluids and pain medication.
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs.
• Monitoring patients for bleeding, pain management to assess patients’ comfort level.
• Observing patients and administering pain medications that have been prescribed.
• Transferring verbal and written information about the patient to the ward nurse responsible for the patient.
• Maintaining and providing necessary documentation.
• Rapidly reacting to signs of negative physical changes, calling for assistance and beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary.
• Acting in a clear headed and knowledgeable way during an emergency.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possess excellent observation skills, be able to think critically, and be able to make quick and effective decisions.

Essential Criteria

• Recognised degree in nursing
• Current registration as a nurse with the Malta Council of Nurses and Midwifes
• Extensive knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures
• Knowledge of emergency care
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families and all medical and hospital staff
• A team player with effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Responsible and compassionate
• Basic computer skills
• Good time management
• Excellent organisation skills
• Professional and friendly attitude.

JOB SUMMARY

The anaesthetic nurse prepares the operating room for the patient, anaesthetist and surgical team and assists the anaesthetist and assists. It is essential to maintain a high standard of nursing care. The role should be carried out in professional manner and in accordance with Saint James Hospital protocols and in liaison with Consultants performing the surgeries.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The tasks of the Theatre Anaesthetic Nurse include making sure all necessary equipment is available for surgical procedures prior to surgery and also to ensure the theatre and its areas are maintained to the required standard before, during and after surgery. It is imperative that a sterile environment is maintained at all times.
• Other responsibilities include ensuring adequate levels of stock are maintained within theatre and to complete all swab checks and instrument checks in accordance with the company policy.
•  Enforcing World Health Organisation’s ‘Safe Surgical Checklist’ and “Time Out”, will be expected.
• Providing a clear and concise pre/post operation handover from Ward/Recovery Nurse is expected to ensure a smooth transition for the patient and also ensuring medical staff orders are correctly interpreted and carried out.
• Recovering patient, where required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid registration with the Malta Council of Nurses and Midwives.
• It is essential that the Theatre Anaesthetic Nurse keeps up to date with nursing trends and techniques and also abides by company policies and protocols.
• It will be necessary to work in either Sliema or Zejtun as and when needed.
• It will also be expected that the Theatre Anaesthetic Nurse will carry out other departmental duties as required and when requested by his/her immediate supervisor, including any other duties that may be required by the company from time to time.