From preparing operating theatres and assisting surgeons and anaesthetists to overseeing post-operative care, Operating Theatre Nurses are key to delivering safe and efficient surgical care to patients.

This diverse and dynamic role involves managing equipment and materials, implementing hygiene and sterilisation protocols, supervising support staff, and ensuring patient safety at every stage of surgery. Operating Theatre Nurses also collaborate closely with other departments, including obstetrics.

Responsibilities:

• Organise and carry out all nursing activities related to the operating theatre in line with MSF health protocols and universal hygienic standards.
• Ensure the preparation of materials and equipment, including checking quality and quantity, in the operating theatre.
• Manage patient reception, transport, and installation from the preparation room to the operating theatre, ensuring proper positioning for surgery.
• Assist the surgeon and anaesthetist during surgery by anticipating their needs and supporting them throughout the procedure.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs with the nurse anaesthetist during surgery.
• Organise patient transport and installation from the operating theatre to the recovery room and supervise post-operative activities to prepare for the next surgery or emergency.
• Implement and follow hygiene, sterilisation, asepsis, and disinfection protocols throughout the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
• Supervise and train nurse-aides and cleaners in the operating theatre, ensuring they follow proper protocols and procedures.
• Perform cleaning and minor maintenance of biomedical equipment, following user manuals and alerting the supervisor of any malfunctions.
• Manage the stock of equipment and materials used in the operating theatre, ensuring efficient use of resources while preventing damage and deterioration.
• Complete and supervise administrative procedures, including checking patient identity and consent for surgery, filling patient files and forms, and collecting surgical data, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Participate in data collection and reporting for surgical activities in the operating theatre.
• Support other services when needed, working closely with the accident and emergency department and obstetrics.

Requirements:

• Nursing diploma with specialisation as an operating theatre nurse is essential (two years of experience as a specialised operating room nurse in a second-level hospital for specific regions).
• Proficiency in both the local and project languages.

Assets:

• Two years of experience with MSF or other NGOs in low- and middle-income countries is an asset.

Competencies in:

• Results orientation.
• Teamwork.
• Flexibility.
• Commitment.
• Service orientation.