PACU Nurse – Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit (On‑Site Madagascar/Sierra Leone)

About the role

Mercy Ships is seeking a qualified PACU Nurse to provide comprehensive post‑operative care for adult and pediatric patients aboard its hospital ships operating in Madagascar and Sierra Leone. The role involves monitoring patients after a wide range of surgeries, ensuring stability and comfort before they are transferred to the ward.

Key responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and document safe, monitored nursing care for post‑operative patients.
• Maintain hemodynamic, respiratory and neurological stability.
• Manage airway safety and provide pain assessment and relief.
• Assist with local anesthetic regional blocks prior to surgery.
• Uphold high standards of patient safety and nursing quality.

Required profile

• Current, active license as a Registered Nurse (or international equivalent).
• Minimum two years of post‑licensure experience, preferably in a PACU setting.
• Recent PACU experience (full‑time ≥2 years or part‑time ≥3 years in the past 5 years) with work in a PACU within the last 12 months.
• Current Basic Life Support certification; Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support are optional.
• Fluency in English and cultural sensitivity.

Required skills

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (optional).
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (optional).
• Physical assessment skills.
• Familiarity with non‑invasive monitoring equipment.
• ECG interpretation.