Job Purpose:

Providing care to patients and families requiring antenatal, labour and delivery, post-natal and newborn care when in the ward and using multidisciplinary collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

General expectations

*Providing excellent holistic nursing care to all patients as noted below.

• always greeting patients/family, welcoming them, and introduce self to patients.
• mandatory orientation of all patients/kin on admission
• effective and timely nursing handoffs at the patient bedside
• accurate documentation of all charts, checklists, forms, and relevant care bundles
• performing pressure area care for patients at risk including regular turning
• the kin or relatives are updated daily about their patient condition and progress.
• timely medications administration and safety compliance
• giving education to all patients and families on assessed needs.
• ensure all patients wear hospital attire in their hospital stay.
• listening to any patients/family complaints are addressed as soon as possible.
• Ensuring capture of all patients charges on the system on a timely basis.

*As Labor and Delivery Unit Nurse

Technical Skills

• Monitor fetal and maternal vital signs using electronic fetal monitors and manual techniques.
• Conduct vaginal examinations to assess cervical dilation and labor progress.
• Administer medications (e.g., oxytocin, analgesics, antibiotics) as prescribed.
• Assist in or conduct normal vaginal deliveries (NVDs).
• Perform neonatal resuscitation when needed.
• Maintain sterile technique during procedures.
• Document partograph and labor progression accurately.
• Assist obstetricians in operative deliveries (e.g., cesarean sections).
• Mentor for new nurses on duty
• Documenting any incidences in the unit and escalating where needed to.

Operational Skills

• Prepare labor and delivery rooms with necessary equipment and supplies.
• Coordinate with physicians, anesthetists, and surgical teams during emergencies.
• Provide psychological support and education to mothers and birth companions.
• Ensure proper triage of women in labor upon admission.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of care provided.
• Follow infection prevention and control protocols.

*As a Postnatal Ward Nurse (Mother and Baby Care)

Technical Skills

• Monitor vital signs of postnatal mothers and signs of complications (e.g., hemorrhage, infection).
• Assess and manage uterine involution, lochia, and breastfeeding initiation.
• The nurse shall administer prescribed medications and manage IV fluids or catheters.
• Educate mothers on perineal care, breastfeeding, family planning, and postpartum warning signs.
• Assist with early ambulation and newborn bonding techniques.
• Health education on family planning and other identified education needs.

 Operational Skills

• Ensure mothers are emotionally supported and oriented to the ward routines.
• Maintain mother-baby records and discharge plans.
• Support safe rooming-in and skin-to-skin contact practices.
• Report complications to senior clinicians or escalate care appropriately.
• Coordinate transport for mothers requiring higher-level care.

*As a Newborn Unit (Postnatal Nursery / Neonatal Care)

Technical Skills

• Perform APGAR scoring and newborn assessments.
• Provide essential newborn care (e.g., cord care, thermal protection, feeding support).
• Monitor and chart newborn vitals and weight.
• Administer newborn medications and immunizations (e.g., Vitamin K, BCG, OPV).
• Identify and manage early signs of neonatal distress, jaundice, or sepsis.
• Assist in managing preterm and low birth weight babies (KMC, nasogastric feeds, etc.).

Operational Skills

• Maintain clean, safe, and warm environment for newborns.
• Collaborate with pediatricians and neonatologists for sick neonates.
• Guide mothers on newborn hygiene, breastfeeding techniques, and danger signs.
• Maintain accurate newborn records and coordinate follow-up care.
• Promote exclusive breastfeeding and proper hygiene practices.

NB: And any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

Education

• KRN, KRM, KRCHN, BSc. Nursing or Diploma in Advanced Nursing Midwifery

Professional Qualification

• Up to date Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) or
• EMONC Certification training

Membership

• Current nursing license, in good standing with the Nursing council of Kenya

Job Experience

• 3 years post registration experience and working in maternity.

 Key Competencies – Skills/ Knowledge/ Aptitude

• Proficiency in care of a mother in labour, during birth and post-delivery.
• Compassionate patient-centered care
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management and organization
• Critical thinking and timely decision-making
• Communication and documentation
• Cultural sensitivity and respectful maternity care
• Good customer care skills.