Recovery (PACU) Nurse

ABOUT WASHINGTON HEALTHCARE

Founded in 2015, Washington Healthcare PLC has grown into Ethiopia’s premier healthcare provider, operating two medical centers with 80 beds, two pharmacies, and a diagnostic center staffed by over 300 healthcare professionals, serving more than 2 million patients. The organization combines advanced medical technology with internationally informed healthcare practices to deliver high-quality, accessible care to both local communities and international patients, driven by a strong commitment to excellence, accessibility, and innovation.

The Recovery (PACU) Nurse will provide highly specialized and compassionate nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures. This role involves continuous monitoring, prompt assessment and intervention, pain management, and ensuring a safe transition from the operating room to inpatient units or discharge.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Duties:

• Provide direct nursing care to patients in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) following surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Monitor vital signs, level of consciousness, respiratory status, cardiovascular function, and pain levels during the recovery period.
• Assess patients’ physiological responses to anesthesia and surgical interventions and intervene promptly when complications arise.
• Administer prescribed medications, including analgesics, antiemetics, intravenous fluids, and other post-operative treatments.
• Maintain airway patency and provide oxygen therapy and other respiratory support as required.
• Monitor for signs of post-anesthesia complications, including respiratory distress, bleeding, shock, nausea and vomiting, and adverse medication reactions.
• Provide wound assessment and post-operative care, including management of drains, catheters, and monitoring devices.
• Ensure patients meet established recovery and discharge criteria prior to transfer or discharge.
• Educate and support patients and families regarding post-operative care, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely patient records and recovery care documentation.
• Collaborate closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, operating room staff, and inpatient care teams.
• Adhere to strict infection prevention and control protocols and post-anesthesia care standards.
• Ensure proper utilization, maintenance, and monitoring of recovery room equipment and supplies.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient safety programs, and perioperative care audits.

Educational Duties:

• Provide comprehensive education and emotional support to patients and families regarding post-anesthesia recovery and post-operative care.
• Participate in clinical training, continuing professional development, and competency assessments.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in post-anesthesia care, pain management, and perioperative nursing practices.

Apply now through this portal — click "Apply for this Position".

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Nursing.
• Valid professional license by the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) or equivalent regulatory body in Ethiopia
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in recovery room nursing, critical care, perioperative nursing, or a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, compassion, and communication skills, particularly when caring for post-operative patients and supporting their families.
• Knowledge of anesthesia recovery principles, airway management, pain management, patient monitoring, and common post-operative complications.