IPD Nurse

MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES FRANCE

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a non-profit, independent international humanitarian organization committed to delivering medical aid to populations facing crises, with a steadfast commitment to impartiality and without regard to race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. In Malawi, MSF collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and the local community, particularly in the Cervical Cancer project in the Blantyre and Chiradzulu districts, as well as the CBO Project in Zalewa and Dedza District.

MSFF is looking for its Blantyre Office:

IPD Nurse – 1 POSITION

Workplace : Blantyre
Type of contract : 1-year Fixed term with possibility of extension
Start date : ASAP

Main Purpose

Providing nursing care, treatment and follow-up of patients, according to doctors’ prescriptions, protocols applied in service and universal hygiene standards/precautions, in order to ensure the quality and continuity of care for the targeted population.

Main Responsibilities

• Knowing, promoting, implementing and following up the universal hygiene standards/ precautions, bio-hazard prevention and infection control, security rules and other protocols and procedures in the medical premises and ensuring high standards of hygiene of his/her working environment. Respecting medical secrets and confidentiality at all times.
• Organizing and carrying out care and treatments according to medical prescriptions, and assisting during consultations, daily rounds and other medical procedures. Participating in health education of the patient (and family) when necessary.
• Identifying Sexually Gender Based Violence victims and referring them to the medical team so they can receive the necessary treatment. Knowing and is aware of the importance and appropriate use of the Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Kit.
• Ensuring patients are properly received and installed and that those with lack of autonomy are assisted, especially regarding their feeding, personal hygiene, movements and comfort. For ER and OPD nurse, ensuring triage of patients in waiting areas, wards or during emergencies, detecting the priority acute/emergency cases, carrying out first aid care and referring them to the doctor when necessary.
• Sending material to be sterilized and recuperates it from sterilization.
• Carrying out admission, surveillance and follow-up of patients (i.e. assessment of the evolution of their state of health and the identification of any emergency situation or deterioration
• Carrying and supervising administrative procedures and documents (fill in patient’s files, forms, consumptions, statistics, registers, health files, etc.), ensuring an appropriate written/oral handover, and reporting any problematic situations and cases that may arise. Participating in data collection and keeping doctors/supervisors informed.
• Participating in the department-related pharmacy and medical equipment control and maintenance (quality and its functioning, storage conditions, follow-up of expired drugs inventories, stock takes of medicines and material at every team changeover ensuring no material is taken out of nursing area/wards without prior authorisation, etc.)
• Perform cleaning and minor maintenance for biomedical equipment used. Following the user manual and protocols and alert supervisor in case of malfunctioning.
• Supervising and training nurse-aids, nutritional assistants, cleaners and other related staff under his/her supervision, ensuring teamwork and adherence to all appropriate protocols and procedures.

Specific Accountabilities

The IPD Nurse in the cervical cancer unit provides comprehensive nursing care to patients admitted with cervical cancer. This includes pre- and post-operative care, chemotherapy/radiotherapy support, pain and symptom management, and psychosocial support. The nurse plays a key role in patient monitoring, education, and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure safe and effective treatment.

1. Patient Care

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments (physical, emotional, and social)
• Monitor vital signs and detect early signs of complications
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for gynecologic oncology procedures
• Administer prescribed medications, Manage side effects such as pain, nausea, bleeding, and infections.

2. Patient Education, orientation for the patients, guardians & Counselling

• Educate patients and families on diagnosis, treatment plans, and side effects
• Provide guidance on nutrition, hygiene, and self-care
• Offer emotional support and counseling, including sensitive communication around prognosis
• Promote awareness of follow-up care and adherence to treatment

3. Coordination & Teamwork

• Collaborate with doctors, onco-surgeons, general surgeons, psychiatry, physiotherapy, counselors and social workers.
• Participating in ward rounds and case discussions
• Coordinate referrals (e.g., imaging, ultrasound, lab tests, palliative care)
• Ensure continuity of care during shift handovers

4. Documentation in EMR & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely patient records
• Document nursing care, observations, and interventions
• Report on changes in patient condition promptly
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies and legal standards

5. Infection Prevention & Safety in collaboration with IPC Supervisor.

• Adhere to infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines
• Safely handle waste segregation.
• Maintain a clean and safe patient environment.

6. Wound Assessment and Management

• Perform routine and systematic wound assessments (size, depth, exudate, odor, signs of infection)
• Manage post-operative wounds (e.g., abdominal hysterectomy, vulvectomy, ovarian surgery)
• Maintain strict aseptic technique during dressing change
• Identify early signs of complications:
  o Infection (redness, swelling, pus)
  o Wound dehiscence
  o Necrosis
• Educate patients and caregivers on wound care after discharge
• Document wound progress and escalate concerns promptly

7. Laboratory Sample Collection and Management

• Collect and handle laboratory specimens safely and correctly.
• Follow proper infection prevention and specimen handling protocols
• Ensure timely transport of samples to the laboratory
• Track pending investigations and follow-up on results on time.

8. Interpretation and Use of Laboratory Results

• Review and monitor key lab results relevant to oncology care:
  o Hemoglobin levels (for anemia management)
  o White blood cell count (infection risk, chemotherapy readiness)
  o Platelets (bleeding risk before procedures)
  o Renal function (important for chemotherapy safety)
• Report abnormal findings promptly to the clinician
• Prepare patients appropriately based on results (e.g., delay procedure if unstable)
• Document and communicate results during ward rounds and handovers

9. Pre-Operative Preparation (Gynecologic Oncology Procedures)
Apply to procedures such as:

• Vulvectomy
• Radical hysterectomy
• Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
• Conization
• Simple hysterectomy
• Ovarian tumor surgery
• Local excision procedures

10. Theatre (Operating Room) Checklist Coordination

• Confirm completion of surgical safety checklist (aligned Safe Surgery Checklist principles)
•  Ensure availability of:
  o Patient file and investigation results
  o Blood products (if required)
  o Consent forms
• Verify correct patient, procedure, and surgical site
• Ensure proper labeling before transferring to theatre
• Safely transfer patient to theatre with full handover to surgical team

11. Post-Operative Care and Monitoring
Applies to:
• Vulva surgery
• Radical hysterectomy
• D&C / Conization
• Abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy
• Ovarian surgery
• Local excursion

Immediate Post-Op Care:

• Monitor vital signs (frequency per protocol)
• Assess level of consciousness and pain
• Monitor IV fluids and medications
• Observe for immediate complications:
  o Hemorrhage
  o Shock
  o Respiratory distress

Ongoing Post-Op Care:

• Monitor surgical site and drains (if present)
• Manage urinary catheter (especially in radical hysterectomy cases)
• Encourage early mobilization as appropriate
• Provide pain management
• Monitor for complications:
  o Infection
  o Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  o Urinary retention or fistula formation
• Support nutrition and hydration
• Assist with personal hygiene and comfort

12. Procedure-Specific Nursing Considerations
Vulvectomy
Radical Hysterectomy
D&C / Conization
Hysterectomy (Abdominal/Vaginal):
Ovarian Surgery
Local Excision

Requirements

Education

• Essential recognized nurse Degree/Diploma; Desirable Bachelor of Science of Nursing; Valid membership with Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi

Experience & Abilities 

• Desirable 2 years of previous experience and previous experience in other NGO’s
• Demonstrable experience in supervising and training others in a team setting
• Ability to work in shifts (including nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Able to handle cytotoxic medications and infectious materials

Language

• Fluency in English and Chichewa

Competencies

• Compassion and emotional resilience
• Attention to detail and good documentation practices
• Results and Quality orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Commitment to MSF principles
• Stress Management

How to apply

Applicants meeting the requirements are encouraged to send their Cover Letter, Updated CV, ID Copy, and relevant certificates, in Pdf or word format, to the Human Resources Manager at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) France. Click here to apply.

The closing date for receiving applications is Sunday, May 24, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF offers equal recruitment and development opportunities without any form of discrimination based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographical origin, physical disability or any other discriminatory ground.

Female candidates who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

MSF is committed to applying Safe Recruitment principles, ensuring transparent, fair, and respectful recruitment processes that protect candidates, the organization, and its beneficiaries.

MSF does not charge any application/recruitment or training fees: if ever you are requested to pay any amount to process your application or access employment with MSF, do not pay and please inform the MSF administration on email: msff-blantyre-recruitment@paris.msf.org as soon as possible.

N.B.: This job description provides a framework for the main responsibilities and primary activities of the position. It is not exhaustive.