Senior Specialist Nurse, Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
- Abuja, FCT
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provide expert nursing care for patients with cardiac conditions, including assessment, monitoring, and management of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, arrhythmias, post-cardiac surgery, and other cardiovascular disorders.
- Initiate and administer medications (including IV drugs), anticoagulants, and other treatments as per AMCE's protocols and patient needs.
- Monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, and intervene as necessary, including defibrillation, cardioversion, or other emergency interventions.
- Conduct regular physical assessments, monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, and laboratory values, ensuring early recognition and management of deterioration.
- Manage invasive monitoring techniques such as central venous pressure (CVP), arterial lines, and intra-arterial monitoring.
- Provide post-operative care for cardiac surgery patients, ensuring effective pain management, wound care, and rehabilitation.
- Implement and monitor non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation in patients as required.
- Respond to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, acute arrhythmias, or other life-threatening conditions, taking leadership in resuscitation efforts, implementing advanced life support (ALS), and managing critical care situations.
- Administer and interpret diagnostic tests, including 12-lead ECG, chest X-ray, and laboratory results, ensuring timely interventions.
- Educate patients and their families on managing heart disease, including lifestyle changes, medication adherence, risk factor modification, and the importance of ongoing follow-up care.
- Provide emotional support to patients and families, addressing concerns related to diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery.
- Ensure adherence to AMCE health and safety policies, including the safe handling of medications, equipment, and patient safety protocols.
- Follow infection control procedures to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections and ensure patient safety.
- Actively participate in the development and implementation of clinical guidelines and protocols to ensure best practice and safe care delivery.
- Participate in regular audits, quality assurance activities, and evidence-based research to continually improve service delivery and patient outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for improvement in patient care and contribute to the development of solutions and action plans.
- Engage in ongoing education and professional development, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of advances in cardiovascular care, cardiac nursing, and critical care.
- Contribute to the orientation, education, and development of new and junior staff within the Coronary Care Unit.
- Bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent from a recognized institution OR;
- Diploma in Nursing with post-basic training in Cardiovascular nursing.
- Valid nursing license
- Membership in relevant medical associations
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or equivalent certification, with proven skills in advanced life support
- Minimum of 10 years post registered nursing experience, with at least 5 years specializing in cardiovascular administration.
- Direct experience in managing acute cardiac conditions such as Acute myocardial infarction (MI), Heart failure (Acute and chronic), post-cardia surgery recovery, acute and chronic respiratory failure in cardiac patients
- Experience with invasive monitoring techniques such as Central venous pressure (CVP), arterial line insertion and management, etc.
- In-depth knowledge of the cardiovascular system, including cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
- Knowledge of and experience with cardiac diagnostic equipment and techniques, including ECG interpretation.
- A deep understanding of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols and procedures.
- Comprehensive knowledge of medications used in cardiac care, including vasoactive drugs, antiarrhythmics, and anticoagulants.
- Ability to interpret hemodynamic parameters and make informed clinical decisions.
- Proficiency in interpreting ECG rhythms and identifying arrhythmias.
- A solid foundation in critical care nursing principles, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Knowledge of current evidence-based practices in cardiac care.
- Strong clinical skills, including advanced cardiac assessment, hemodynamic monitoring, and medication administration
- 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.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- 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
- 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