Healthcare

Purpose of the role

The Registered Nurse – Theatre is responsible for providing specialised and comprehensive perioperative nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. This role ensures optimal patient safety and care, contributing to successful surgical outcomes through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, adherence to clinical standards, and meticulous attention to detail.

The position requires assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating perioperative care, supporting the patient throughout the surgical experience, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies.

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

- Relevant nursing qualification (Diploma in Nursing / B Cur Degree) or equivalent NQF 7 qualification

- Minimum of one year extensive experience in private health care will be advantageous.

- Registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)

- Knowledge of healthcare regulations and patient care standards

- Proficiency in using Health Management Information System (HMIS) (advantageous)

- Mental and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills

- Excellent attention to detail and organisation skills

Competencies:

- Judgment: Use Appropriate Judgment

- Patient/Member Centred: Focus the Patient

- Execution and Results: Manage Execution and Results

- Planning and Improvement: Plan for and Improve Performance

- Influence and Communicate: Increase Commitment

- Build Relationships: Form Relationships

- Adaptability: Adapt professionally

Objectives:

- Patient Care Quality: Patient Satisfaction Scores: Measure patient satisfaction with the care provided by Registered  nurses, including aspects such as communication, responsiveness, and empathy. Adherence to Care Plans: Monitor the extent to which Registered nurses adhere to care plans and clinical protocols in delivering patient care. Patient Safety Incidents: Track incidents of adverse events or patient safety concerns related to nursing care provided by Registered nurses.

- Clinical Competence: Competency Assessments: Conduct regular competency assessments to evaluate Registered nurses' proficiency in clinical skills and nursing interventions. Clinical Documentation Accuracy: Monitor the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation completed by Registered nurses, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

- Team Collaboration: Interdisciplinary Communication: Assess the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between Registered  nurses and other members of the healthcare team, such as enrolled  nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals. Teamwork and Collaboration Ratings: Gather feedback from colleagues and supervisors on registered nurses' teamwork skills, willingness to collaborate, and contribution to interdisciplinary care delivery.

- Efficiency and Productivity: Patient Care Hours: Track the number of patient care hours provided by Registered nurses within a specified period, comparing actual hours worked to budgeted or target hours. Workload Management: Evaluate Registered  nurses' ability to manage workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing patient needs and staffing levels.

- Professional Development: Completion of Continuing Education: Monitor Registered nurses' participation in continuing education activities, such as workshops, seminars, and online courses, to maintain and enhance their nursing knowledge and skills.

- Patient Outcomes: Clinical Outcomes: Measure clinical outcomes associated with care provided by Registered nurses, such as wound healing rates, medication adherence, and patient functional status.

Responsibilities:

Preoperative Care:

- Prepare and assess patients for surgery, ensuring informed consent is obtained.

- Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, and medical history.

- Assist with theatre setup, including sterilising and arranging surgical instruments.

Intraoperative Care:

- Provide direct assistance to the surgical team during procedures.

- Monitor patients' vital signs and physiological status during surgery.

- Ensure strict adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control protocols.

- Handle surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment efficiently.

Postoperative Care:

- Oversee patient recovery in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU).

- Monitor for complications and provide immediate intervention as required.

- Document patient care accurately and comprehensively in medical records.

Team Collaboration and Leadership:

- Work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, and theatre staff to maintain a cohesive operating environment.

- Supervise enrolled nurses and healthcare assistants, ensuring adherence to best practices.

- Contribute to case discussions and improvement initiatives in the theatre unit.

Equipment and Inventory Management:

- Ensure surgical instruments and equipment are functional and properly maintained.

- Report any malfunctions or shortages to the Theatre Unit Manager.

- Maintain accurate records of supplies used during procedures for billing purposes.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

- Participate in audits, training, and quality improvement initiatives.

- Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and SANC guidelines.

- Stay updated on new techniques, equipment, and best practices in theatre nursing.