Specialized Nurse

 JOB VACANCY

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES 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: SPECIALIZED NURSE

Workplace                      : Blantyre

Type of contract         : 12 Months Fixed Term Contract.

Start date                        : July 2025

Main purpose of the position

Organize and carry-out all nursing activities related to the operating theatre (OT) running, according to MSF health protocols, universal hygienic standards and in coordination with the surgeon and anaesthetist, in order to ensure a smooth functioning of the surgical activities (pre, intra, and postoperative care) offered to patients.

Accountabilities

• Ensure the preparation of the material and equipment (checking the quantity and quality), in the OT and carry-out the reception, transport of the patient from the preparation room to the OT and ensuring his/her installation for surgery.
• Assist the surgeon and anesthetist during the operation, anticipating their needs, in order to facilitate their job and helping throughout the whole process.
• Checks vital parameters of the patient with the nurse anesthetist.
• Organize the patient’s transport and installation from the operating theatre to the recovery room and carry-out and/or supervise all the post-operative activities (used material collection, OT’s cleaning and disinfection, resetting all equipment and material back), in order to prepare the OT for next surgical intervention or any emergency.
• Implement and follow-up the hygiene, sterilization, asepsis and disinfection protocols and procedures at all times, in pre, during and post-operative activities, in order to ensure the patient and staff’s safety i.e. waste containers availability, sharps container, checking no material or needles remain in the surgical towels, placing instruments into soak container, take instruments/linen to sterilization unit, etc.).
• Supervise and train the nurse-aids and cleaners while in the OT in following all appropriate protocols and procedures, in order to ensure the quality of the healthcare given to patients.
• Perform cleaning and minor maintenance for biomedical equipment used. Follow user manual and protocols and alert supervisor in case of malfunctioning of any device.
• Control all equipment and material stock to be used in the OT, in order to ensure an efficient and rationale use of material resources while preventing damage and deterioration.
• Carry-out and supervise administrative procedures and documents (check identity of patient and his/her consent for the operation, fill in patients’ files, forms, statistics, quantitative surgical data collection, etc.), and report any problematic situations and cases arising, in order to have updated and correct information about the day-to-day activity and ensuring proper transfer of information.
• Participate in data collection and reporting.
• Intervene in support of other services whenever needed and work particularly in close collaboration with the accident, emergency department and with obstetrics.

Specific Accountabilities

Job Summary: –

The Specialized Nurse shall provide direct and individualized nursing care (patient-centred care) to all patients undergoing surgical procedures for cervical cancer and other gynaecological cancers as may be validated by the project based on best-in-class operating procedures, nursing disciplines, and patient safety protocols; coordinate and consult with the Surgeons and Anaesthetists to assess, plan, implement and evaluate both minor and major operations while maintaining highest standard of infection control measures according to MSF standards and protocols.

Key Responsibilities 

• Carry-out and supervise administrative procedures and documents (check identity of patient and his/her consent for the operation, fill in patients’ files, forms, statistics, quantitative surgical data collection, etc.), and report any problematic situations and cases arising, in order to have updated and correct information about the day-to-day activity and ensuring proper transfer of information.
• 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 including participating in Unit Deep Cleaning at scheduled times.
• Knowing and adherence to Accidental Exposure to Blood Protocol
• Monitors patients’ physical and emotional well-being throughout the care continuum, and always respecting medical secrets and confidentiality, as well as patient’s privacy.
• Participating in health education of the patient (and family) when necessary.
• Carrying out and supervising administrative procedures and documents (fills in patient’s files, forms, consumptions, statistics, etc.), ensuring appropriate written/oral handover, and reporting any problematic situations and cases that may arise. Filling in all necessary registers and health files; participate in data collection.
• Participating in the department-related pharmacy and medical equipment inventories, control and maintenance (quality and its functioning, storage conditions, follow-up of expired drugs, stock taking of medicines and materials at every team changeover ensuring no material is taken out of nursing area/wards without prior authorization, etc.)
• Participating in preparing for each and every shift by ensuring the availability of adequate instruments and all other supplies required for surgical procedures and general patient care in the OT; ensures all user maintenance protocols are observed and that all accompanying checklists are correctly filled out, among other preparations.
• Ensuring proper care and maintenance of materials in the Operating Theatre by checking the function of equipment and instruments as per protocol; informing OT Nurse Specialist Supervisor for appropriate actions if there are defective ones; checking of expiry dates of instruments and supplies in general.
• Properly collects and disposes materials used for surgery and ensures that the cleaning of the Operating Room is completed before next operation and at the end of the day while nsuring that all recyclable instruments and materials used for surgical procedures are promptly transported to the CSSD for processing.

Scrub Nurse Responsibilities

• Preparing for each and every surgical procedure by ensuring that every member of the Surgery Team puts on correct attire, and patient is properly draped; ensures that instruments and supplies for surgery are available and properly used; ensures surgical hand washing as per protocol; ensures correct operation site preparation; ensures that surgical count sheet and surgical safety checklistand intra-op nursing record are properly used, among other preparations.
• Assisting Surgeon(s) during operation via correct handling and passing of instruments, maintenance of sterile field before and during the operation, and ensuring that all personnel in the theatre follow rules of sterility and asepsis, among other tasks.
• Preparing patient to leave the Operating Room to Recovery Room aka post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) in collaboration with Anaesthetist after surgery by ensuring that patient’s vital parameters are checked, drains and tubes are secure, and that patient is fit for transfer.
• Responsible for conducting the surgical count of instruments, sponges, needles, and other materials before the surgery begins, and before the wound is closed to ensure that no items are retained inside the patient.
• Works closely with the Circulating Nurse to verify and document the count.
• Ensures that the correct count sheet and surgical safety checklist are used and that the count is reconfirmed before closing the surgical site

Circulating Nurse Responsibilities

• Properly receives patients in the operating theatre by checking patient’s identity, fasting status, allergies, duly signed informed consent form, among other protocol-prescribed preoperative requirements; reassures patients.
• Participating in preparing the theatre before surgery by ensuring waste, linen as well as used instrument bins are available; ensures, in collaboration with Scrub Nurse that all equipment, instruments and supplies for surgery are available.
• Ensuring patient safety via correct positioning and proper skin preparation; ensures that surgical count sheet and surgical safety checklists are correctly administered.
• Assisting Scrub Nurse and Surgeon(s) as required via ensuring that no member of the team breeches sterile field, controlling staff and staff movement during operation.
• Ensuring that all specimens are correctly labelled, stored and transported to the laboratory promptly.
• Preparing patient to leave operating theatre to Recovery Room in collaboration with Scrub Nurse and Anaesthetist.
• Assists the Scrub Nurse in counting surgical instruments, sponges, needles, and other materials before, during, and after surgery to ensure all items are accounted for.
• Ensures that the count documentation is correct and confirms the count with the Scrub Nurse before the wound is closed.
• Notifies the Scrub Nurse if any discrepancies arise during the count and supports the team in resolving them.
• Re-fills and organizes the cupboard according to the list.
• Ensures that the updated documents and checklists are followed, and that the surgical area is always prepared with the correct instruments according to the latest information.
• Maintain hygiene and infection control standards in the recovery room, ensuring proper cleaning of surfaces, equipment, and patient care areas.
• Participate in handing over and transporting patients to ward Nurses after recovery as decided by the Anesthetist/Surgeon.

Recovery Room Nurse Responsibilities

1. Pre-Arrival & Handover Responsibilities

• Welcome the patient to the recovery area and confirm identity and pre-operative details.
• Receive patients from the operating theatre with a full handover from the Anaesthetist and/or Surgeon.
• Review all documentation and assess the patient’s initial condition upon arrival.

2.Patient Monitoring & Safety

• Continuously monitor and record vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO₂, and consciousness level).
• Identify and promptly report abnormal findings or complications (e.g., respiratory distress, hypoxia, bleeding) to the Anesthetist or Surgeon.
• Monitor patients throughout the immediate post-anesthesia phases, including emergence and early recovery.

3.Clinical Care & Anaesthesia Support

• Administer prescribed medications such as analgesics, antiemetics, and IV fluids according to MSF protocols and physician orders.
• Provide airway support, including oxygen therapy, suctioning, and basic airway maneuvers when needed.
• Assist with patient positioning to ensure comfort, airway patency, and prevent pressure injuries.
• Support the Anesthetist during intubation or other interventions.
• Assist with the preparation and administration of anesthetic-related medications under supervision as appropriate.

4. Equipment Management & Infection Prevention

• Check and ensure availability and functionality of all essential PACU equipment: monitors, suction machines, oxygen supplies, emergency trolley, etc.
• Maintain and clean reusable anesthesia equipment in accordance with infection prevention standards.
• Monitor and document daily fridge temperatures to ensure proper storage of medications and specimens.
• Complete and update the Recovery Room Checklist at the beginning and during the shift.

5. Patient Education & Handover

• Provide patients with clear, understandable post-operative instructions including pain management, mobility support, and follow-up care.
• Ensure patients meet clinical discharge criteria before transferring to ward or discharging from the PACU.
• Accurately document all assessments, interventions, medications, and any clinical changes in the patient’s recovery notes.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Accurately and promptly documents all surgical procedures, patient outcomes, and any adverse events or complications in dedicated registers and files.
• Participating in collection of data required for monitoring and evaluation of overall surgical team activities/performance.

Biomedical Equipment Management:

• Ensure regular checks and calibration of all OT equipment, including suction machines, monitors, infusion pumps, and electrosurgical units.
• Maintain a log of equipment status, maintenance schedules, and any reported malfunctions or issues.
• Promptly report any equipment malfunction to the Supervisor and follow up on repairs or replacements.
• Train new OT staff on the correct use, cleaning, disinfection, and storage of biomedical equipment to prevent damage and ensure patient and staff safety.
• Adhere to infection prevention protocols related to equipment handling and maintenance.

Training and Management Responsibilities

• Assisting in orientation and training of ALL new OT Staff
• Participating in formation and protection of rules and measures that aides OT activities.
• Participating in Meetings and Training sessions whenever they are organized.

The above-mentioned responsibilities are not exhaustive.

Requirements

Education	Nursing Diploma or Degree with specialization in Theatre Nursing, or Nurse Anesthetist Diploma Registered with the Nurses and Midwives council of Malawi
Experience	Desirable 2 years’ experience. Having worked in MSF or other NGO’s and in developing countries is desirable.
Languages	Local language is essential and mission language essential.
Competencies	Results, Teamwork, Flexibility, Commitment, and Service

How to Apply 

Applicants meeting the requirements are encouraged to send their Cover Letter, Updated CV, ID Copy, and relevant certificates and registration certificates addressed to:

The Human Resources Manager 

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) France 

P.O. Box 2736, Blantyre 

Email: msff-blantyre-recruitment@paris.msf.org  

Please use the subject line “SPECIALIZED  NURSE – Your Full Name.” Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Indicate only the Position and Your Full Name as the Subject Line of the email.

The closing date for receiving applications is Friday 13^th June 2025  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

 MSF is an equal opportunity employer: all applicants will be equally considered under the same criteria and expectations. 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-blantyrerecruitment@paris.msf.org  as soon as possible.