JOB TITLE: Lecturer in Paediatrics, Full-Time (3 positions, 1 in each of Kumasi, Accra & Tamale)

REPORTS TO: The Rector/ Project Director, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives (GCNM)

BACKGROUND:

•   The Lecturer in Paediatrics will be a member of the SickKids-Ghana Paediatric Nursing Education Partnership (PNEP).  PNEP is a collaboration between the GCNM, Ghana Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health in Toronto, Canada.  PNEP is a 5 year project (2015-2020) with the ultimate goal to contribute to reducing preventable deaths and improving wellbeing for newborns and children in Ghana. PNEP also strives to advance both child health and the profession of nursing in Ghana through practice-focused paediatric nursing education. Together we are developing and delivering a 1-year paediatric nursing education program to train 500 nurses at three training sites across Ghana. Additionally, 25 nurse educators will also be developed through PNEP to champion continuous learning and will be integrated into the health system as faculty of the GCNM.

•   PNEP’s 1-year Paediatric Associate Membership Programme is a competency-based post-basic nursing program focused on practical skill development, where residents spend 70% of the learning in the clinical setting.  The program is innovative in its teaching and learning methods which include interactive workshops and lectures, case-based learning, simulation and experiential learning through an intensive clinical practicum to ensure integration of theory with practice. The program is split into two blocks each of which contains six weeks of interactive classroom teaching and 14 weeks of hands-on structured clinical practicum including internships in the student’s home setting.  Block 1 focuses on foundational concepts of paediatric nursing and applications to primary care and care in the community.  Block 2 teaches skills in leadership, change management and hospital and emergency care.

BASIC FUNCTION:

•   Lecturer will be responsible for teaching in clinical and classroom settings, student assessment, as well as coordinating modules and providing leadership to part-time faculty and clinical educators.  The role will work closely with the Vice Presidents, Faculty Chair for Paediatrics & Snr  Clinical Coordinator in leading and developing educational initiatives within the PNEP project and division.

CLASSIFICATION: Technical Personnel & Leadership

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•   Lecture in a classroom setting to teach theoretical content using a variety of interactive teaching methods
•   Provide leadership and contribute to the development and/or refinement of curriculum that integrates best practices in the context of regulations, requirements and need
•   Develop and revise course materials, tools and resources to facilitate competencies outlined in course curriculum
•   Provide leadership and contribute to faculty development activities, debriefing sessions and mentoring of faculty including preceptors, clinical educators and other lecturers
•   Provide a leadership role with development and implementation of new nursing education activities and standards within the division
•   Coordinate and oversee all academic activities at the respective Paediatric Associate Programme site
•   Undertake administrative activities in resident admission and use of student portal for the respective Paediatric Associate Programme site
•   Mentor students, and monitor student assessment and progress
•   Collaborate with faculty and Snr Clinical Coordinator to prepare, revise, and submit residents’ learning outcomes, objectives and competencies for clinical experience
•   Consult with faculty and Snr Clinical Coordinator to review, evaluate, and recommend educational clinical practicum planning and changes
•   Collaborate with Clinical Coordinators and Clinical Educators to apply up-to-date equipment and technology for the use of teaching and learning
•   Be available at all times the residents are in the clinical facilities, providing on-site support as required
•   Engage with Clinical Educators and preceptors regarding clinical practicum learning opportunities to further enrich resident learning and accomplish programme outcomes
•   Oversee continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of clinical sites, residents and faculty, resolve issues that may arise and provide feedback to the Project Director.
•   Maintain self-clinical competence to ensure relevance of clinical support to faculties and residents
•   Competently discharge administrative responsibilities and participation in College governance structures as directed by the Project Director
•   Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Project Director

Communication and Working relationships

•   Participate actively in clinical/academic meetings and audits
•   Be punctual, accessible and available for consultation at all times
•   Contribute actively to professional meetings and scientific conferences
•   Participate in networking activities to build strategic relations with contracted healthcare facilities and related professional agencies, including appropriate orientation activities for new resident nurses

Personal and People Development

•   Develop and maintain continuing personal and professional development to meet the changing demands in the area of nursing services
•   Monitor own performance against agreed objectives and standards
•   Keep up to date on job related issues as appropriate
•   Play active role in the orientation of new staff
•   Conduct continuous professional education of nurses and midwives
•   Take responsibility to ensure personal professional development plans are agreed with senior management
•   Promote and support the continual skills development among nursing, midwifery, medical and allied health students and other health care providers
•   Provide leadership and mentorship for post registration specialist nurses and midwives, and residents
•   Contribute to the promotion and support of the development and provision of specialty related health learning materials for academic and clinical competency-building
•   Maintain a stable and enthusiastic learning environment

Management

•   Prepare and submit periodic reports on faculty and clinical teaching  activities
•   Devise improved job methods for increasing efficiency
•   Advise on and utilize nursing process and clinical skills to extend competencies of residents
•   Promote a positive image of the nursing and midwifery professions

Research

•   Participate in research as defined by study investigators

Health and Safety Responsibilities

•   Ensure compliance with existing health and safety policies and procedures of the GHS/MOH
•   Ensure the safety of clients/patients, staff and one’s personal safety
•   Observe the Universal Precaution for infection prevention and control

Quality Assurance

•   Advocate for and promote the quality of paediatric nursing practices in clinical settings and among residents.
•   Institutionalise quality assurance systems on clinical interactions
•   Ensure that staffs comply with the GHS/MOH quality assurance policy and guidelines
•   Report activities that do not comply with quality standards
•   Act as a role model in quality improvement activities

Professional Representation

•   Work in accordance with the GHS Code of Ethics and strictly adhere to the provisions of the Patient’s Charter and Disciplinary Procedures of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
•   Work in accordance with the Professional Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Procedures
•   Participate in National Health Programmes
•   Represent the best interest of GCNM at all times by enhancing the division’s reputation in nursing practice, teaching and research
•   Employ a collaborative ethos
•   This job description is intended as a guide to the principal duties and responsibilities for the post and should not be considered an exhaustive list. It is subject to change in line with future development of the service

Qualifications Required & Experience

Qualification and Requirements

•   A Nurse or Nurse-Midwife in good standing with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, with at least five (5) years working experience in paediatrics
•   A Master’s degree in Nursing, Midwifery or any related field from an accredited university
•   Must be a Fellow of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives

Desirable    

•   Qualification as a Paediatric Nurse

Experience

•   Prior experience as a lecturer (teaching paediatrics either in the classroom or clinical setting)
•   Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
•   Supervisory/team leader experience
•   Experience of managing and organizing own workload and that of the Department/facility/faculty
•   Experience in planning and implementation of education developments
•   Working experience in a wide range of areas in health services which may include policy development and research

Knowledge

•   Knowledge of innovative and effective teaching methods
•   Knowledge of competency based education
•   Knowledge of relevant clinical, nursing protocols
•   Knowledge of quality assurance issues in clinical care
•   Knowledge of risk assessment

Skills and Abilities    

•   Organizational skills
•   Planning and supervisory skills
•   Potential for leadership
•   Report writing and presentation skills
•   Excellent Verbal communication skills
•   Excellent interpersonal skills
•   Analytical and problem solving skills
•   Ability to demonstrate and participate in effective team work
•   Ability to relate to people from different backgrounds
•   Working knowledge in computer application
•   Ability to manage under pressure
•   Ability to use own initiative

Personal Attributes  

•   Competent, adaptable, imaginative, innovative, enthusiastic, self-aware, team player, Self control

Other Requirements    

•   Work to deadline
•   Results Oriented

Location: Accra, Kumasi & Tamale

How to Apply For the Job

PLEASE SEND ALL APPLICATIONS INCLUDING OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO:

recruitments@gcnm.edu.gh

Closing Date: 30 June, 2017