JOB SUMMARY:
As a member of the Medical Team on the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital Team, the Head Nurse is responsible for effectively managing all nursing activities (i.e. service provision, training, and administration) and ensuring excellent quality nursing care as well as a strong and effective nurse training program. The Head Nurse is also an active member of the FEH Core Management Team and a member of the FEH Planning Team, which is tasked with the assessment and preparation of new FEH programs. This position requires up to 45 weeks of travel per year, mostly to devloping countries.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND SUPERVISORY ROLE:
The Head Nurse reports to the Medical Director and liases closely with the FEH team. Supervises a team of 4 to 6 staff nurses.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(1) Operational Management:

• Ensure high quality patient care and maintain the overall recognition of and adherence to ( U.S.) Association of periOperative Registered Nurses published Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines as well as focus points from the ( U.S.) Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations during patient screening days, patient assessment, intraoperative care, and postoperative care.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with all ORBIS policies and procedures.
  
  
• Prepare program plans and reports as directed.
  
  
• Monitor expenditures and ensure FEH nursing department costs are within budget.
  
  
• Work closely with the medical and anesthesia teams to facilitate supply requests and orders.
  
  
• Ensure adequate supplies and coordinate supply requests; monitor inventory usage and assist with efficient use of Supply Chain Management system by medical, nursing, biomedical, and anesthesia teams.
  
  
• Assist biomedical engineers to monitor all medical equipment functionality.
  
  
• Forward all necessary patient records and information to appropriate staff as directed.
  
  
• Ensure daily aircraft cleanliness; monitor compliance of recommended guidelines for surgical suite disinfection ensure aircraft is disinfected at the beginning of each program and actively participate in the cleaning activities.
  
  
• Assist staff nurses and nurse technicians as needed i.e. cover for sickness.

(2) Staff Management:

• Participate in recruitment of staff nurses and nurse technicians and liaise with HR staff in New York
  
  
• Orient new staff nurses and nurse technicians
  
  
• Manage and motivate the nursing team
  
  
• Prepare nursing and nurse training staff schedules
  
  
• Facilitate nursing meetings as well as attend medical and staff meetings
  
  
• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate nursing training programs so that they are tailored to the needs of host institutions and trainees in collaboration with the planning team and FEH program manager
  
  
• Assist staff nurses and nurse technicians with their professional development needs and identify appropriate staff development activities.

(3) Additional Duties:

• Participate in media events, goodwill tours, and fundraising activities.
  
  
• Work closely with Flying Eye Hospital Director as part of the FEH Core Management Team.
  
  
• Participate in projects and perform other duties as requested by Medical Director.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. 
  
  
• Current RN license or registration and CPR certification. NOTE: British applicants should have ENB 346 qualification.
  
  
• Minimum of 4 years experience as an ophthalmic operating room nurse and familiarity with ophthalmic surgical procedures and patient care. 
  
  
• Previous leadership and/or supervisor role preferred.
  
  
• Prior experience with adult education in an international medical program setting highly preferred. 

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and diplomacy skills: the ability to interact effectively in person and in writing with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail: ability to effectively coordinate nursing programs and schedules in an unusual and challenging work environment.
  
  
• Team oriented, pro-active, open-minded, and flexible work style.
  
  
• High tolerance to stress: ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, constantly changing work environment.
  
  
• Patient-centered approach with training programs, patient service delivery, and administrative duties.
  
  
• Efficient and competent computer skills: Windows XP, Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and willingness to learn Supply Chain Management System (online medical supply inventory system). 
  
  
• No significant disqualifying factors or issues which preclude from obtaining entry visas into any country. 
  
  
• Ability to travel to developing countries up to 80% of the time. This includes having no significant
  disqualifying factors that would preclude approval of entry visas in the countries on the FEH travel schedule. 

To apply for this position, please forward your resume and cover letter to HR@orbis.org.