Head Nurse (ICU & Theatre)

Job title : Head Nurse (ICU & Theatre)

Job Purpose

• The Head Nurse, ICU & Theatre will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all nursing services within the Intensive Care Units and Operating Theatres. The role holder will drive clinical excellence, ensure patient safety, optimize departmental efficiency, and lead a high-performing team of nursing professionals. He/ She will integrate nursing strategy with the hospital’s goals, manage resources effectively, and uphold the highest standards of critical and perioperative care.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement ICU/theatre nursing strategies aligned with hospital goals.
• Participate in executive planning and budgeting for departmental resources and expansions.
• Establish and review key performance indicators (KPIs) for units under supervision.

Operational Management

• Ensure optimal staff deployment and shift coverage for ICUs and Theatres.
• Coordinate surgical case flow and monitor patient throughput efficiency.
• Oversee equipment readiness and lead unit preparedness for emergencies.

Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety

• Enforce evidence-based protocols and monitor key safety indicators (e.g., VAP, CLABSI).
• Ensure 100% use of safety checklists and care bundles.
• Lead nursing involvement in adverse event reviews and rapid response coverage.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Facilitate communication and coordination between nursing, physicians, and allied health.
• Act as primary nursing liaison in MDT meetings and with surgical/anesthesia teams.
• Represent nursing in hospital committees and align protocols with multidisciplinary consensus.

Emergency and Crisis Preparedness

• Ensure staff are trained and rehearsed for all emergency and disaster scenarios.
• Develop, test, and update departmental emergency response and surge plans.
• Monitor emergency supplies and lead post-incident debriefings.

Patient and Family-Centered Care

• Champion compassionate care and develop effective patient/family communication systems.
• Address complaints promptly and integrate satisfaction data into improvement plans.
• Facilitate family involvement in care decisions and appropriate support referrals.

Must have skills

ICU JCI Knowledge

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent from a recognized institution. Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration or a related field is an added advantage.
• OR Diploma in Nursing with extensive, relevant post-basic training and proven senior leadership experience.
• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid, active nursing license. 
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive clinical nursing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity within ICU and/or Operating Theatre settings.
• Proven track record in staff management, quality improvement, accreditation compliance (e.g., JCI, ISO), and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Advanced knowledge of critical care, surgical nursing, and infection control protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness and managing high-acuity patient care environments.
• Strong experience in budgeting, scheduling, and improving operational efficiency in complex clinical settings.