Head Nurse

Position Summary

The Head Nurse leads all nursing operations across the center's specialist medical clinics and ambulatory surgery services in Dubai, covering pre-operative, intra-operative, post-anesthesia recovery, and outpatient care. The role ensures safe, high-quality, patient-centered care for a multicultural patient population, effective staffing, compliance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations, and a strong culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership and Patient Care

• Oversee nursing care delivery across pre-op, operating room, PACU, and specialist clinic areas.
• Ensure care is delivered according to evidence-based practice, physician orders, and center policies.
• Serve as clinical resource and escalation point for complex cases, complications, and emergencies.
• Promote safe patient flow, timely discharge, and clear post-procedure instructions and follow-up.

Staff Management and Development

• Recruit, hire, schedule, supervise, and evaluate registered nurses, surgical technologists, and nursing support staff.
• Manage staffing levels and skill mix to match surgical schedules and clinic volumes.
• Provide coaching, orientation, competency validation, and continuing education.
• Foster collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia providers, specialists, and administrative teams.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) standards, UAE federal health regulations, JCI or equivalent accreditation requirements, and patient data protection laws.
• Lead infection prevention, sterile processing oversight, medication safety, and surgical safety checklist practices.
• Monitor quality indicators, investigate incidents, and implement corrective action plans.
• Keep emergency preparedness, including malignant hyperthermia and code response readiness, current and aligned with DHA requirements.

Operations and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the nursing budget, supplies, and equipment needs.
• Partner with materials management and vendors on instruments, implants, and supplies.
• Support scheduling efficiency, on-time starts, and patient satisfaction goals across a diverse, international patient base.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and nursing policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited, DHA-recognized institution.
• Active DHA registration and license as a Registered Nurse (or eligibility to obtain it through the Sheryan portal, including DataFlow primary source verification and any required DHA assessment).
• Minimum 5 years of post-qualification nursing experience, including at least 2 years in perioperative or ambulatory surgery settings.
• At least 2 years of nursing leadership or charge nurse experience.
• Current BLS and ACLS certification; PALS where pediatric patients are treated.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field; prior experience in the UAE or GCC region.
• CAPA, CPAN, CNOR, or CASC certification; experience in JCI-accredited facilities.
• Experience with accreditation surveys and electronic health record systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking in fast-paced environments.
• Effective leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, anesthesia, and aseptic technique.
• Proficiency in staffing, budgeting, and data-driven quality improvement.
• Commitment to patient advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Work in a clinical environment with exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and hazardous materials.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs, with assistance as needed.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic or other regional languages are an advantage.
• Respect for local culture and customs, and sensitivity to the needs of patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Primarily a Sunday–Thursday or Monday–Friday schedule per center policy; occasional extended hours and on-call availability.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive tax-free salary in AED, commensurate with experience.
• Employer-provided health insurance, annual leave, and annual flight allowance per UAE labor law and company policy.
• Housing or housing allowance and relocation support, as applicable.