OPERATION SMILE PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION, INC.
Job Description
Center Nurse — Pre/Post Operative Ward
Cebu Comprehensive Cleft Care Center of Excellence | Clinical Operations
Reports To: Center Head Nurse
Work Location: Cebu Comprehensive Cleft Care Center of Excellence (COE)
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Position Overview
The Center Nurse for the Pre/Post Operative Ward is a clinical nurse at the Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) Cebu Center of Excellence (COE). This role is primarily responsible for the nursing care of cleft care patients during the pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery phases of their surgical journey. The nurse ensures the highest standards of patient safety, clinical care, and operational efficiency — working closely with the medical team, anesthesia providers, and other ward nurses to support seamless patient flow and positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Care
- Conduct and document comprehensive pre-operative nursing assessments for all scheduled surgical patients.
- Verify patient identity, confirm the surgical procedure, and ensure the signed consent form has been reviewed and documented.
- Prepare patients for surgery in accordance with OSP and COE protocols — including NPO status, skin preparation, IV access, and pre-operative medications as ordered.
- Provide patient and family orientation and education on the surgical procedure, what to expect, and post-operative care instructions.
- Communicate patient readiness and relevant clinical findings to the OR team and anesthesia provider prior to transfer.
- Coordinate patient transfer from the pre-operative area to the operating room in a safe and organized manner.
Post-Operative Care
- Receive patients from the PACU or OR and conduct a thorough handoff-based nursing assessment upon arrival to the post-operative ward.
- Monitor patient vital signs, level of consciousness, pain levels, wound status, and recovery progress at prescribed intervals.
- Manage post-operative pain per physician orders; document and report any deviations from expected recovery trajectory.
- Assess patient readiness for discharge and coordinate discharge planning with the medical team, patient, and family.
- Provide discharge education to patients and caregivers including wound care, activity restrictions, medication instructions, and follow-up schedules.
- Ensure complete and accurate post-operative documentation in accordance with OSP EMR and reporting requirements.
Clinical Operations and Quality
- Implement nursing policies, procedures, and protocols aligned with OSP and COE guidelines.
- Participate in patient safety initiatives, quality improvement activities, and incident reporting.
- Maintain ward cleanliness, supply readiness, and infection control standards at all times.
- Collaborate with the Head Nurse in monitoring patient outcomes and identifying opportunities for care improvement.
- Support the medical education activities of the COE, including mentoring nursing students and exchange trainees rotating through the ward.
- Assist with patient coordination support as needed during surgical program days.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Philippines (PRC license in good standing).
- Minimum of one (1) year clinical nursing experience; experience in surgical ward, pre-operative, or post-operative setting is preferred.
- Pediatric nursing experience is an advantage.
- Proficiency in patient assessment, nursing care planning, and clinical documentation.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Clinical Competence and Patient Safety Orientation
- Attention to Detail and Accuracy in Documentation
- Effective Communication and Patient/Family Education
- Teamwork and Collaborative Practice
- Adaptability and Flexibility in Scheduling
- Commitment to Continuous Professional Development
- Alignment with Operation Smile's Mission and Values
