Preoperative Nurse

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily. About this role The Preoperative Nurse works with the Preoperative Team to evaluate, assess and prioritize potential patients for Mercy Ships surgical programs, working closely with other departments in the hospital. The Preoperative Nurses are always aiming for the best patient experience. This includes having the most accurate and up-to-date medical knowledge available, having good logistics in place and safe and culturally appropriate working practices. Work collaboratively with other Preoperative Team members and Hospital Physicians to evaluate, assess and prioritize patients during the patient selection and admissions processes. Coordinate preoperative diagnostics tests with Hospital Support Services. What you will contribute • Assist the Preoperative Team Leader and Preoperative Clinical Supervisor in the planning and implementation of all preoperative activities, including the Nurse & Diagnostics day, Surgeon Consultation day, Hospital Admissions days, follow-up days and Hypertension and Goiter Clinic days. • Assess and examine patients and obtain necessary specimens, including blood draws. • Follow up with patients and caregivers regarding diagnostics tests, surgical plan and expectations for surgery. • Orient patients and caregivers to the Ward environment and routines. • Provide appropriate pre- and post-operative information to the patients and caregivers. • Assist on Surgeon Consultation days as requested. • Work together with Hospital Physicians regarding follow-up care and Hospital admission. • Work together with Anesthesia Supervisor regarding preoperative anesthesia reviews. • Train and oversee daily duties of Hospital Day Crew assigned to work with the Preoperative Team. • Coordinate patient counseling with Hospital Chaplaincy as needed. • Assist with the transportation of patients to and from the ship, from the HOPE Center and Assembly point. • Assist in collaborating with the HOPE Center/Low Care Unit Team regarding preoperative patients. • Cover on-call duties for the Preoperative Team, approximately every 4-6 weeks for one week. • Orient new nurses to the preoperative process. • Maintain Infection and Prevention Control practices. For This Role, You Will Need • Commitments of 12 months or more require successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program • Strong knowledge of Mercy Ships’ Surgical Scope of Practice preferred. • Supportive of Mercy Ships’ mission and vision, and committed to…