Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N) is a pioneering institution that has championed healthcare excellence in East Africa for over six decades. As a not-for-profit, private teaching hospital, it stands tall as one of the region’s few facilities accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) of the USA. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, clinical expertise, and quality patient care, AKUH, N has consistently delivered both tertiary and secondary medical services to a diverse and growing patient base across the region.
One of the institution’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding segments is the Outreach Division, which operates a network of 53 medical centers distributed across East Africa. These strategically located centers are designed for maximum accessibility and convenience, typically offering between three to five consultation rooms, and are staffed with highly competent medical officers, nurses, and reception teams. Services at these centers are supported by on-site laboratories, pharmacies, and radiology/sonography departments.
As part of our efforts to improve access to high-quality pediatric care and provide continuity of service within community settings, we are seeking qualified professionals to join our Home Health Services team. This includes a unique opportunity to work as a Locum Paediatric Nurse in a home care setting.
Position Summary
The Locum Paediatric Home Health Nurse plays a vital role in delivering holistic and family-centered nursing care to children within the comfort of their homes. The goal of this position is to bridge the gap between hospital-based healthcare and community care, ensuring that paediatric patients receive timely, ethical, and personalized nursing services. By extending our healthcare services into homes, we aim to enhance patient outcomes, improve accessibility, and maintain a high quality of life for children with various health conditions.
This position is particularly suited for highly skilled nurses who are passionate about pediatric care and are enthusiastic about making a positive impact beyond traditional hospital walls. The selected nurse will operate under clinical supervision and will be required to collaborate closely with primary clinicians, the patient’s family, and multidisciplinary teams.
Key Responsibilities
The Locum Paediatric Home Health Nurse will be accountable for a wide range of responsibilities that encompass clinical, administrative, and supportive duties, including but not limited to:
1. Comprehensive Patient Assessment and Care Planning
- Conduct detailed assessments of the child and the home environment to identify health care needs and safety risks.
- Engage with the primary clinician to develop a customized care plan aligned with the patient’s condition and family needs.
- Monitor patient progress and adjust care plans in collaboration with other health professionals.
2. Clinical Care Delivery
- Administer prescribed medications, fluids, and treatments, ensuring accuracy and safety.
- Perform essential nursing procedures such as taking vital signs, IV cannulation, port access, phlebotomy, and specimen collection.
- Continuously observe, record, and report physiological, physical, and emotional responses to treatments, identifying any concerning patterns early.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Track patient responses to medical interventions and make timely updates to the treatment plan.
- Promptly identify early warning signs of deterioration and escalate concerns for appropriate medical intervention.
- Document all care provided during each visit accurately and comprehensively.
4. Supportive and Palliative Care
- Offer emotional and psychosocial support to patients and their families throughout the treatment process.
- Provide care planning for advanced stages of illness, including symptom management and end-of-life care when necessary.
5. Patient and Family Education
- Educate patients and caregivers on disease processes, treatment options, home care procedures, and emergency response.
- Use adaptive teaching methods suited to each family’s learning style and literacy level, such as the teach-back method.
6. Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Perform regular safety checks to ensure that the home care environment adheres to institutional and national health regulations.
- Manage biological and hazardous waste responsibly in accordance with safety protocols.
- Maintain adherence to institutional policies, ethical standards, and evidence-based practice guidelines.
7. Inventory and Resource Management
- Monitor and maintain necessary clinical supplies and equipment used during home visits.
- Coordinate with the logistics and supply departments to ensure timely restocking and replenishment of consumables.
8. Quality Assurance and Reporting
- Report near misses, safety incidents, complaints, or accidents promptly and accurately.
- Participate in incident investigations and contribute to the development of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Maintain detailed and up-to-date documentation for every patient interaction, ensuring records are accessible for audit and quality control.
Professional Requirements
- Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (KRCHN/BScN) from a recognized institution.
- Valid license from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
- Certification in European Paediatric Advanced Life Support (EPLS).
- Minimum of three years of continuous clinical nursing experience in medical-surgical settings.
- Previous experience in pediatric care, home-based healthcare, oncology, or palliative care will be considered a significant advantage.
Key Attributes and Competencies
While technical skills are critical for this role, success in pediatric home health care also demands specific personal attributes and professional competencies:
- Compassionate and empathetic demeanor suitable for working with children and families under stress.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with patients, families, and health professionals.
- Ability to work independently in remote settings, making autonomous clinical decisions when needed.
- Organizational skills to manage time, supplies, and documentation efficiently.
- Cultural sensitivity to provide care that respects the beliefs and practices of diverse communities.
- Strong ethical framework, with commitment to patient confidentiality and dignity.
Employment Details
- Job Type: Locum (Short-term contract)
- Employment Status: Regular
- Primary Work Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Organizational Unit: Aga Khan University Hospital – Outreach Services
- Department: Home Care Health Services
Application Timeline
- Job Posting Date: 11 June 2025
- Application Closing Date: 30 June 2025 at 9:59 PM
If you are a qualified and passionate nurse looking to make a meaningful contribution in the lives of pediatric patients and their families, we invite you to be part of this noble mission by applying for this role.
Please submit your application via email as per the organization’s standard recruitment procedures. Do ensure your resume, relevant certifications, and a cover letter highlighting your experience in pediatric or home health care are attached in your application.
For any further information, kindly contact the Outreach Services Department at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.
We look forward to welcoming dedicated professionals who are committed to redefining healthcare excellence across East Africa.
