Senior Specialist Nurse – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

About the role

The Senior Specialist Nurse in the Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) will ensure patient safety and comfort as they recover from anaesthesia and surgery at the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja. The role combines clinical leadership, direct patient care, and mentorship of junior staff.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the PACU team, providing guidance, mentorship and overseeing adherence to recovery protocols.
• Continuously monitor vital signs, airway status, pain levels and intervene promptly for complications such as hypoxia or haemorrhage.
• Administer medications, fluids and advanced procedures as prescribed, and coordinate safe patient transfers.
• Participate in quality improvement, research activities and development of evidence‑based recovery guidelines.

Required profile

• Registered Nurse with a valid Nigerian nursing license and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
• Minimum 7 years post‑qualification experience, including at least 5 years in PACU or ICU settings.
• Advanced degree or specialty certification (e.g., master’s in nursing, ICU/PACU certification) is desirable.
• Proven leadership and communication skills, with ability to mentor junior staff.

Required skills

• Patient monitoring and interpretation of vital signs.
• Airway management and emergency response.
• Pain assessment and management.
• Medication administration and fluid therapy.
• Use of specialized PACU equipment and technologies.