Specialist Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) at the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE Abuja) – Deloitte Human Capital Consulting Full Time

Job Title: Specialist Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Job type: Full-time

About the Client

• The African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja), a quaternary-level multi-specialty medical institution developed by Afreximbank 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 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.

Job Purpose

• The Specialist Nurse ICU is a highly skilled and experienced nurse responsible for providing specialized care to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
• This role involves assessing patient conditions, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and performing complex procedures.
• The nurse works collaboratively to optimize patient outcomes and ensure the highest standards of care.

Core Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of critically ill cardiovascular patients, including vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and hemodynamic parameters.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans based on patient needs and evidence-based practices.
• Administer advanced life support (ALS) and intensive care procedures as required, including ventilator management and invasive monitoring.
• Administer medications and treatments, including complex intravenous therapies and invasive procedures.
• Monitor patient response to interventions and adjust care plans as needed.
• Provide emotional support to patients and families during critical times.
• Provide post-operative care to patients, ensuring optimal recovery and early detection of complications.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of evidence-based protocols and guidelines.

Specialized Medication Administration:

• Administer cardiovascular medications, including antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, vasopressors and inotropes.
• Administer and monitor titration of medications that require precise dosing based on real-tie patient data, like vasodilators or diuretics.
• Assist with or perform defibrillation or cardioversion as needed in response to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Emergency Response:

• Respond promptly to cardiac arrests and other emergency situations.
• Initiate advanced life support measures, including CPR and defibrillation.
• Collaborate with the medical team to provide timely and effective intervention.
• Utilize critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess patient conditions, prioritize interventions, and make timely decisions.

Patient and Family Education:

• Educate patients and families about cardiovascular diseases, prevention, medications and lifestyle changes.
• Provide emotional support and counseling, helping patients and families understand the treatment process and manage expectations.
• Engage in or lead cardiovascular health screening events or community outreach programs to promote heart health.

Safety and Compliance:

• Actively participate in risk management and clinical governance activities to maintain and improve patient safety standards.
• Ensure proper documentation of patient care, including assessments, treatments, and interventions in line with ethical standards.
• Act as a liaison between ICU team, cardiology, and surgical teams, ensuring seamless care coordination

Quality Improvement:

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Training and Professional Development:

• Contribute to ongoing education programs for nursing staff and assist with training on ICU care and related issues.
• Support the education and mentorship of junior nursing staff and students.
• Stay updated with research and evidence-based practices in ICU care.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSc Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A postgraduate qualification in critical care nursing, cardiology, or a related field is an added advantage.

Professional Requirements:

• Valid nursing license
• Membership in relevant medical associations
• Relevant certifications in critical care nursing or specific cardiac procedures are an added advantage

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 3-5 years progressive nursing experience in a critical care setting, with a strong focus on cardiovascular care
• Proven track record in managing critically ill patients, including those with complex cardiac conditions
• Experience in leading and supervising a team of nurses in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices in cardiovascular nursing and the ability to apply them to patient care

Knowledge Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
• Demonstrated expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of critically ill cardiovascular patients.
• Proficiency in advanced cardiac life support, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, and other specialized procedures
• Deep understanding of the human cardiovascular system, including cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and valvular heart disease
• Proficiency in interpreting and managing hemodynamic parameters (e.g., arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure)
• In-depth knowledge of medications used in critical care, including vasoactive drugs, anticoagulants, and sedatives

​Skill Requirements:

• Effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in sensitive situations.
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Proficiency in using ultrasound for various diagnostic purposes, such as assessing fluid status and guiding procedures.
• 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

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Note: 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.