Infant Warmer Study Nurse (6 Positions) – Partners in Health

Reports to: Study Manager

Location: Cross-site (Ruli, Kinihira, Rutongo, Nemba, Gakoma, Kibilizi and Mibilizi DH)

Positions: 6

Term of Contract: 6 Months

Background:

PIH/IMB supports the GoR to design and implement innovative services to raise the quality and accessibility of health care options and delivery in Rwanda. Hypothermia contributes to a significant portion of neonatal deaths, in Rwanda and around the world. Kangaroo mother care is a safe and effective method of warming; however, it is not always feasible, and not possible in settings such as resuscitation or clinical instability. Electric warmers are the standard of care in developed countries, but are extremely costly, they have the potential to cause harm with misuse, and often are not feasible in settings without stable electricity. Through a multi-institutional collaboration, a low cost electricity-free infant warmer was developed. After laboratory based prototype testing for safety and efficacy, we aim to study the supervised use of the warming device under routine implementation conditions in a resource-limited setting. The primary aim of thestudy, is to determine if the infant warmer is a safe, effective, usable and functional addition to KMC in the district hospital setting.

Responsibilities:

The Research study nurse is a six-month grant-funded position to support evaluation of the safety, efficacy, usability and functionality of the infant warmer in the district hospital setting in Rwanda.

Responsibilities of the research study nurse include, but are not limited to:

• Work on a daily basis at the study site to ensure eligible patients are recruited, consent families, collect and enter data, and assist with data analysis. The study manager should be available to answer any questions hospital staff or families have about usage of the infant warmer.
• Supervise and ensure appropriate use of the infant warmer according to the study protocol. The study nurse will routinely observestudy participants to note any deviations which may lead to safety concerns. If this were to occur it is the Study nurse role tointervene, discuss and educate the hospital staff to prevent unsafe use of the warmer. The Study nurse will routinely monitor and intervene if the warmer material demonstrates any breakdown or other changes.
• Assist in obtaining and maintaining all study materials, forms, and supplies for use according to study protocols.
• Maintain close communication with all study collaborators, including study investigators, PIH/IMB, hospital staff and authorities.
• Report to study manager any complication, adverse event caused by the infant warmer as described in the research protocol.
• Assist in any other tasks related to the delivery of the evaluation/research activities.

Required qualifications

• Registered A0 nurse or midwife with valid license from the Rwanda Nursing and midwifery council
• Two (2) years of recent clinical nursing experience in a hospital, clinic or similar health care setting
• Competency skills in neonatology per scope of practice (performing vital signs, nursing assessments)
• Knowledge of medical terminology, clinical trials and GCP concepts
• Detail oriented in all aspects of work
• Strong follow through skills and ability to proactively identify and solve problems; demonstrated initiative is imperative
• Must have strong communication skills with the public as well as physicians and co-workers
• Ability to work well independently as well as in team environment
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Possess the ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, and manage deadlines
• Trainable and willing to learn new skills
• Strong communication (written and spoken) skills in Kinyarwanda and good command of English language
• Familiar with working with rural population, adaptable and with good interpersonal skills

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