About the Role
AKU’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) was established in 2012. It conducts research, knowledge translation, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and rights to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents. With a focus on establishing high quality education, multidisciplinary research, and trainings in women, child, and adolescent health, the Centre contributes to health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly in remote groups and vulnerable populations.
This position is required to contribute to recruitment of participants, data collection and follow up of the clients for the research study, ‘the iMAMA/Smartsweep,” in collaboration with Philips, funded by the Bill Gates Foundation (BGF); whose primary objective is to assess the performance of Philips SmartSweep AI algorithms compared to Philips LumifyTM Diagnostic Ultrasound System for identified antenatal parameters.
The research assistant–nurse will be required to support the study activities at the health facility study site in Mombasa. This will include screening and recruitment of study participants, clinical and non-clinical data collection. The study nurse will be required to be sensitive and considerate throughout the encounter with participants, their families and other health facility staff and report directly to the Project Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Liaise with health facility staff to identify potentially eligible study participants for recruitment into the study.
- Contribute to screening and recruitment of study participants, including provision of informed consent.
- Clinical and non-clinical data collection for study participants.
- Perform anthropometric measurements and vital signs measurements for study participants.
- Conduct special study procedures, specifically a basic ultrasound procedure (AI-POCUS).
- Contribute to follow-up of participants for the post-visit data collection.
- Create daily and monthly summary reports for activities as guided by the study coordinator.
- Communicate with families and community members about the study as appropriate and as guided by the study PI.
- Attend training sessions and obtain relevant competency in data collection and informed consent, and other essential skills.
- Regularly report any relevant events that affect the study to the study Manager.
- Plan for data collection activities on a weekly and monthly basis to maximize efficiency of work output.
- Conduct all study activities in adherence to the guidelines and protocols provided and with utmost confidentiality and ethical practice.
- Handle study equipment with care and ensure safe storage.
- Manage participant reimbursement and maintain accurate record-keeping as per study protocols and AKU financial guidelines.
Job Requirements
- Diploma in Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife or Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse or equivalent.
- Valid Practicing license from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
- At least 1-year experience at a busy health facility.
- Experience working at the maternity unit, antenatal care unit or child health units at hospital or health Centre level.
- Experience working at public health care facilities.
- Experience in research activities at community or health facility level.
- Experience in mobile data collection tools.
- Basic Computer literacy and training in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Good written and verbal skills in English and Kiswahili.
Personal Characteristics & Behaviours
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Keen listening ability and attention to detail and quality.
- Ability to work independently/with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules.
- Proactive, able to multi-task and willing to adapt to additional tasks.
- Well groomed.
- Willing to work long hours, including nights, weekends and/or public holidays.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and remain courteous and respectful.
