Outpatient Department (OPD) 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 Outpatient Department (OPD) Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive, efficient, and patient-centered nursing care to patients attending outpatient clinics and ambulatory care services. The role involves patient assessment, triage, nursing procedures, medication administration, health education, care coordination, and supporting physicians and other healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality outpatient care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Duties:

• Provide direct nursing care to patients attending outpatient clinics and ambulatory care services.
• Conduct patient assessments, including obtaining medical histories, measuring vital signs, documenting presenting complaints, and identifying healthcare needs.
• Perform patient triage and prioritize care based on clinical urgency and established protocols.
• Prepare patients for consultations, examinations, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.
• Assist physicians and other healthcare professionals during examinations, procedures, and minor interventions.
• Administer medications, injections, vaccinations, intravenous therapies, and other prescribed treatments in accordance with approved clinical guidelines.
• Perform nursing procedures such as wound care, dressing changes, specimen collection, catheterization, and other outpatient interventions as required.
• Monitor patients during and after procedures, identifying and responding promptly to adverse reactions or changes in condition.
• Provide first aid and emergency nursing interventions for patients experiencing acute medical conditions within the outpatient setting.
• Promote patient safety through adherence to infection prevention, medication safety, and quality care standards.
• Facilitate referrals and coordination of care with specialty clinics, diagnostic services, and inpatient departments when necessary.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely patient records, nursing documentation, and clinical reports.
• Register, prepare, and manage patient flow to ensure efficient clinic operations and reduced waiting times.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, specialists, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, radiology staff, and other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control protocols, patient safety standards, and hospital policies.
• Monitor and maintain adequate stocks of medications, medical supplies, and equipment within the outpatient department.
• Ensure proper utilization, functionality, and maintenance of outpatient medical equipment.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction activities, clinical audits, and incident reporting programs.
• Assist with appointment scheduling, follow-up coordination, and continuity of patient care services.

Educational Duties:

• Provide health education and counseling to patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, preventive health measures, and follow-up care.
• Educate patients on chronic disease management, medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, immunization schedules, and health promotion activities.
• Support patients and families in understanding diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and self-care practices.
• Participate in community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives as assigned.
• Participate in clinical training, continuing professional development, and competency assessments.
• Stay updated with current evidence-based nursing practices, outpatient care standards, and healthcare regulations.

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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 outpatient nursing, ambulatory care, primary healthcare, medical-surgical nursing, or related clinical settings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of outpatient nursing practices, patient assessment, triage principles, medication administration, and ambulatory care services.
• Excellent clinical assessment and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and respond to urgent patient needs.
• Strong communication, counseling, and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Ability to manage multiple patients efficiently while maintaining high standards of care and patient satisfaction.
• Knowledge of infection prevention, patient safety practices, healthcare regulations, and quality improvement principles.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in healthcare documentation systems, electronic medical records, and patient record management.
• Demonstrated professionalism, compassion, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence in patient care.