Job Title: Palliative care nurse

Department:

Clinical

Location:

 Butaro Level 2 teaching hospital

Reports to:

Palliative care physician

Positions reporting to:

N/A

Main Responsibilities

1

Job Purpose: We are looking for a compassionate and skilled nurse to help to strengthen the palliative care team within Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE)at Butaro Hospital. The mission of this full-time position is to provide quality palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The position will be based in Butaro. The nurse will work under the supervision of a palliative care doctor and in collaboration with other oncology team members, health professionals, and community health workers, and volunteers to deliver holistic and patient-centered care in various settings, such the hospital and oncology clinics.

2

 Key Responsibilities:

•  Serve as a nursing champion in developing a full-time palliative care service at Butaro Hospital within the BCCOE
• Liaise daily with Nurse Ward Managers to identify patients needing palliative care
• Assist palliative care physician to provide palliative care consultation for inpatients. After initial consultation, visit the patient as often as needed to assure adequate comfort.
• Assess the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families and provide appropriate interventions and referrals.
• Administer and monitor medications for pain and symptom relief, including opioids, and ensure their safe and rational use.
• Educate and support patients and their families on the goals and benefits of palliative care, advance care planning, and end-of-life issues.
• Discuss and explain palliative care plans with nurses.
• Collaborate with palliative care team coordinator and physician/Medical Director on team logistics and training.
• Coordinate and communicate with other health professionals and service providers involved in the patient’s care to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Provide basic nursing care, psychosocial support and, where necessary, refer patients who require palliative care to established home based services in their local districts.
• Supervise, mentor, and train fellow nurses, nursing students and clinical staff in the practice and principles of palliative care.
• Co-develop and team palliative care curriculum for nursing students affiliated with UGHE and University of Rwanda.
• Coordinate and facilitate the clinical clerckship fin pallitiave care for medical students affiliated with the University of Rwanda
• Develop and lead educational initiatives in palliative care at Butaro Hospital.
• Participate in research, advocacy, and policy development to improve access and quality of palliative care in the country.

Education and Experience Requirements 

• A0 nursing degree and a valid license to practice nursing in Rwanda
• At least 4 years of clinical experience in medical or surgical nursing
• Willingness to commit to working as a palliative care nurse
• Prior palliative care experience is an added value and the candidate must be available to participate in a palliative care training program with both in person and online training components, with plan for ongoing mentorship and training with international palliative care collaborators.
• An interest in gaining knowledge and skills in pain and symptom management, communication, and ethical issues in palliative care.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and respect the values and preferences of patients and their families.
• Uphold and live principles of equity in health care and committed to living PIH/IMB values: Ubumuntu-Compassion, Ubupfura-Integrity, Ubunyangamugayo-Honesty, Ubwubahane-Mutual respect, Ubumwe-Solidarity, Agaciro-Dignity, Kugira ishyaka-Determination
• At Partners In Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures