ICU Shift Leader

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 ICU Shift Leader is a senior critical care nursing role responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality nursing care within the Intensive Care Unit during assigned shifts. The role provides clinical leadership, coordination, and supervision of ICU nursing staff to ensure safe, efficient, and evidence-based care for critically ill patients. The Shift Leader supports clinical decision-making, ensures adherence to ICU protocols, manages workflow, and serves as the primary point of escalation during emergencies and complex clinical situations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Duties:

• Supervise and coordinate all nursing activities within the ICU during assigned shifts.
• Ensure critically ill patients receive timely, safe, and high-quality nursing care according to established ICU standards.
• Support and guide ICU nurses in advanced patient assessment, monitoring, and intervention.
• Lead and coordinate response to emergencies, including cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and rapid patient deterioration.
• Assist intensivists and physicians during critical procedures and resuscitation efforts.
• Review and support clinical decisions related to patient care plans, prioritization, and escalation.
• Ensure proper handover of all ICU patients between shifts with complete and accurate clinical information.

Administrative Duties:

• Allocate nursing staff effectively based on patient acuity and unit workload.
• Monitor ICU staffing levels and escalate shortages or operational challenges to management.
• Ensure compliance with ICU policies, infection prevention and control protocols, and patient safety standards.
• Oversee proper use, availability, and maintenance of ICU equipment and emergency supplies.
• Review and ensure accuracy of nursing documentation and patient records during the shift.
• Participate in incident reporting, clinical audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Educational Duties:

• Ensure families receive timely, clear, and compassionate updates regarding patient status (in coordination with physicians).
• Support ethical decision-making processes and end-of-life care discussions when required.
• Promote a patient-centered and compassionate care environment within the ICU.

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 critical care nursing, with at least 2 years in an ICU setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership, delegation, and team coordination skills in high-pressure environments.
• Advanced critical care nursing knowledge, including ventilator management and hemodynamic monitoring.
• Excellent clinical judgment and ability to make rapid, evidence-based decisions.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills within multidisciplinary teams.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and attention to patient safety.
• Ability to manage multiple critically ill patients and prioritize care effectively under stress.
• Strong mentorship and coaching abilities to support staff development.