The Paediatric Critical Care Nurse role is based at M.P. Shah Hospital, a modern 210-bed facility committed to high-quality patient care, housing highly skilled specialists and professional medical staff. The nurse is responsible for providing specialized, comprehensive care to critically ill neonates and children, ensuring patient safety and promoting high-quality clinical outcomes.
Duties & Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care Planning
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of neonates and children, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and nutritional evaluations.
- Develop, implement, and continuously review individualized care plans based on patient condition and clinical progress.
Direct Patient Care
- Provide specialized nursing care, including medication administration, ventilation support, suctioning, and emergency interventions.
- Monitor and document vital signs, ventilator parameters, pain scores, and changes in patient condition.
- Assist with neonatal and Paediatric Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) while ensuring a calm, family-centered environment.
- Ensure continuity of care through accurate and thorough handovers at shift changes.
Clinical Skills and Procedures
- Perform advanced critical care procedures including IV therapy, arterial line management, central line care, and blood transfusion.
- Operate and troubleshoot specialized PICU/NICU equipment such as ventilators, CPAP machines, incubators, infusion pumps, and monitors.
Patient & Family Education and Support
- Provide clear, compassionate education to parents and caregivers on conditions, treatment plans, and home-care needs.
- Offer emotional support and counseling to families facing high-stress and critical situations.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work closely with Paediatricians, neonatologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and multidisciplinary team members to coordinate care.
- Communicate effectively with families and the healthcare team to ensure patient safety and high-quality outcomes.
Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and timely electronic documentation of care delivered and patient progress.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and hospital documentation standards.
Safety and Quality Improvement
- Strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols, including sterilization and safe handling of neonates.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes.
Professional Development
- Engage in continuous learning, relevant training, and professional certification related to PICU/NICU practice.
- Remain updated on evidence-based critical care practices, neonatal resuscitation guidelines, and emerging technologies.
- Participate in annual competency-based evaluations.
Leadership and Mentorship
- Serve as a role model and mentor to junior nurses and student nurses.
- Take up leadership roles such as shift leader or team coordinator when assigned.
Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
- Uphold high ethical standards, maintain patient confidentiality, and promote family-centered care.
- Advocate for patients’ rights and ensure informed consent procedures are followed.
Emergency Response
- Respond rapidly and effectively to emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, neonatal seizures, and other critical events.
- Participate actively in code teams, emergency drills, and stabilization of critically ill patients.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education:
- Diploma or Degree in Nursing – KRN, KRCHN, KRNM, KRNMPH, or BScN.
Specialization:
- Higher Diploma in Critical Care, Neonatal Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, or related specialty is an added advantage.
Licensure:
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
Certifications:
- BLS (Basic Life Support) – Mandatory.
- ACLS/PALS/EPALS (Advanced Life Support for Paediatrics) – Highly preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong clinical and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced critical care environment.
