Center Nurse — Pre/Post Operative Ward

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