Rift Valley Children's Village Nurse

The Tanzanian Children's Fund is seeking a full-time nurse to work and live at the Rift Valley Children's Village (RVCV) in Oldeani, Tanzania. Founded by India Howell in 2004, RVCV operates in partnership with the Tanzanian Children's Fund, and is home to 94 orphaned children. RVCV is located in a remote impoverished village in Karatu District, and is adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The nurse will:

• Be responsible for the health care of the children and staff at the Rift Valley Children's Village
• Provide basic health services and health education to 450 students at the local primary school
• Assist in basic healthcare for the rural catchment area of Oldeani Ward, including nursing care and first aid for minor injuries and illnesses
• Provide emergency nursing care
• Initiate referrals to community health resources for ongoing intervention, remediation, and follow-up
• Communicate appropriately and effectively as the health professional liaison between Rift Valley Children's Village, Gyetighi Primary School, and the surrounding community

Additional responsibilities at the Rift Valley Children's Village include:

• Administer daily medications and supervise treatment plans for children with acute injuries/illnesses and chronic health issues including HIV, asthma, and behavioral disorders
• Provide ongoing health monitoring and counseling for adults with chronic health conditions including HIV, epilepsy, diabetes, and hypertension
• Accompany patients to local hospitals as needed
• Maintain organization and accommodate needs of the on-site infirmary including medical supply and medication inventory

Additional responsibilities at Gyetighi Primary School include:

• Provide anticipatory guidance and health counseling for students and families
• Coordinate well-child exams and dental health screenings annually

Additional responsibilities at Oldeani Secondary School include:

• Conduct regular visits to Oldeani Secondary School for basic health assessments

Additional responsibilities within the local community include:

• Provide triage and assist at bi-monthly community mobile clinics on-site
• Participate in home visits when necessary
• Initiate referrals and follow through at specialty hospitals in Arusha and Moshi for children requiring surgical interventions for club feet, cleft lip, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, etc.
• Support and guide community interventions that prevent child abuse
• Coordinate community health activities including preventative health services

Qualifications:

• Education requirements: 4-year degree, BSN or registered nurse with Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (Master's degree preferred)
• Qualified to practice as a registered nurse; hold an active and unrestricted license
• 1-2 years nursing experience
• Certified in CPR or BLS
• Knowledge of principles and practices underlying professional nursing with familiarity in pediatric nursing, school health, public health and/or international nursing preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a resource-limited setting
• Able to work independently, exercise professional judgment and provide referrals to licensed medical facilities when appropriate. Dr. Frank Artress, Founder of FAME, is available for consultation and assistance at the FAME hospital half an hour away (http://fameafrica.org/).
• Commitment to service
• Prior experience living in developing countries preferable
• Knowledge of Swahili and overseas working/volunteering experience helpful
• 24 month commitment

How to apply

Send cover letter and resume toamber@tanzanianchildrensfund.org.