Job Summary
The Perioperative Nurse will provide safe, high-quality nursing care to patients throughout the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of surgical care.
The role involves preparing patients for surgery, maintaining a safe and sterile operating environment, supporting surgeons and anaesthesia teams during procedures, monitoring patients, assisting with surgical instrumentation and equipment, and ensuring appropriate post-operative care and documentation.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong clinical judgement, knowledge of surgical procedures and instruments, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced theatre environment.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Care:
Assess and prepare patients for scheduled surgical procedures.
Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, consent, investigations, allergies, and other required pre-operative information.
Monitor and document patients'' vital signs and clinical condition.
Provide patients and families with appropriate information and reassurance before surgery.
Administer prescribed pre-operative medications and treatments.
Ensure patients are appropriately prepared and positioned for surgery.
Communicate relevant patient information to surgeons, anaesthetists, and other members of the surgical team.
Intra-Operative / Theatre Responsibilities:
Prepare the operating theatre, surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and consumables before procedures.
Function effectively as a scrub nurse and/or circulating nurse as assigned.
Maintain strict aseptic and sterile techniques throughout surgical procedures.
Assist surgeons by preparing and passing appropriate instruments and supplies.
Anticipate the needs of the surgical team during procedures.
Assist with patient positioning while ensuring patient safety and dignity.
Conduct and document instrument, swab, needle, and other surgical counts in accordance with established protocols.
Monitor patients throughout procedures and promptly report abnormalities or complications.
Assist the anaesthesia team as required.
Ensure appropriate handling, labelling, and transfer of surgical specimens.
Participate in surgical safety briefings, time-outs, and relevant surgical safety checklist procedures.
Post-Operative Care:
Monitor patients following surgery and assess their recovery.
Monitor vital signs, pain levels, wound condition, fluid balance, and other relevant parameters.
Identify and promptly escalate post-operative complications or abnormal findings.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments.
Provide patients and families with appropriate post-operative care information.
Ensure safe transfer of patients to the recovery area, ward, ICU, or other designated unit.
Document all relevant post-operative care and interventions.
Infection Prevention & Patient Safety:
Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control within the theatre environment.
Ensure appropriate sterilization and handling of surgical instruments and equipment.
Comply with hospital policies, clinical protocols, and patient-safety standards.
Ensure proper disposal of medical and surgical waste.
Identify and report safety risks, equipment faults, incidents, and near misses.
Maintain patient confidentiality and respect patients'' rights and dignity.
Equipment & Theatre Management:
Ensure surgical instruments, equipment, medications, and consumables are available before procedures.
Check the functionality and readiness of theatre equipment.
Maintain appropriate stock levels and report shortages promptly.
Participate in inventory management and proper storage of surgical supplies.
Report damaged, missing, expired, or malfunctioning equipment.
Support the maintenance of an organized and efficient theatre environment.
Documentation & Quality Improvement:
Maintain accurate and timely patient and theatre records.
Document nursing interventions, surgical procedures, medications, observations, and incidents appropriately.
Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
Contribute to the review and improvement of theatre procedures and workflows.
Participate in departmental meetings, training, and continuous professional development.
Qualifications & Requirements
Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) practising licence.
Bachelor''s Degree in Nursing (BNSc) or equivalent qualification is an advantage.
Post-basic qualification or training in Perioperative/Theatre Nursing is highly desirable.
3–4 years of relevant experience in perioperative, operating theatre, surgical nursing, ICU, or a related clinical environment.
Experience in a tertiary hospital or major surgical setting is an advantage.
Experience in cardiac/cardiothoracic surgery would be highly advantageous where applicable.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
ACLS certification is an added advantage.
Strong knowledge of surgical instruments, theatre procedures, aseptic techniques, and infection prevention.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary surgical team.
Strong clinical assessment and emergency-response skills.
Excellent documentation and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.