The Tanzanian Children's Fund is seeking a full-time nurse to work and live at the Rift Valley Children's Village (RVCV). Founded in 2003, the Tanzanian Children’s Fund operates the Rift Valley Children’s Village, which is a home to 97 children, and a thriving community-based organization providing free healthcare, primary and secondary education, and microfinance loans and training to the residents of Oldeani Ward. RVCV is located in a remote area of Karatu District, adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Responsibilities

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 and 380 students at the local secondary school;
• Manage our rural community health clinic and provide basic healthcare for the 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, Oldeani Secondary 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;
• Coordinate well-child exams and dental health screenings annually.

Additional responsibilities within the local community include:

• 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

To learn more about the Rift Valley Children's Village, please visit www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org.