Nurse — ICU
Aga Khan University Hospital
Quick Take
Provide intensive nursing care to critically ill patients, managing ventilated patients and complex interventions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary critical care team.
A registered nurse with 2+ years of mandatory ICU experience and valid ACLS certification, ideally holding a Critical Care nursing certificate.
A prestigious tertiary hospital environment with above-market pay, exposure to cutting-edge critical care technology, and a clear path to senior nursing leadership roles.
Job Description
Aga Khan University Hospital, widely recognised as one of the leading tertiary healthcare institutions in East Africa, is looking to expand its Critical Care team by bringing on board skilled and dedicated ICU Nurses. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a world-class facility that is committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes and advancing clinical excellence across the region.
Based in Nairobi, the successful candidates will be embedded within a dynamic, multidisciplinary critical care environment where collaboration, precision, and compassionate patient care are at the heart of everything we do. If you are a seasoned ICU professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-acuity setting, this role is tailored for you.
- Deliver comprehensive, high-quality nursing care to critically ill patients within the hospital's modern Intensive Care Unit
- Closely monitor and manage patients on mechanical ventilation, as well as those undergoing complex clinical interventions
- Work closely alongside intensivists, specialist physicians, and broader multidisciplinary care teams to ensure optimal patient management
- Maintain thorough, accurate, and up-to-date patient records and clinical documentation at all times
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to junior nurses and student nurses rotating through the ICU
- A Diploma or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with current and valid registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK)
- A minimum of two (2) years of hands-on ICU nursing experience — this is a mandatory requirement
- Valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- A certificate in Critical Care Nursing is an added advantage
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced team environment
This position is best suited to a motivated and experienced nursing professional who has a strong foundation in intensive and critical care practice. The ideal candidate is someone who remains calm under pressure, demonstrates clinical confidence when managing complex and life-threatening conditions, and is equally committed to the professional growth of colleagues around them. Candidates who hold a Critical Care nursing certificate and have worked in a busy tertiary or teaching hospital environment will have a distinct advantage. Above all, Aga Khan University Hospital is looking for individuals who share its values of quality, integrity, and patient-centred care.
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this position through the Aga Khan University Hospital's official recruitment channels. Ensure your application includes an up-to-date curriculum vitae, copies of your academic and professional certificates, and proof of your current NCK registration and ACLS certification. Applications should be submitted as directed on the hospital's careers portal or official job listings page. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Diploma or BSc in Nursing with active Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) registration
- Minimum 2 years of ICU nursing experience
- Valid ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification
- Proficiency in managing ventilated patients and complex critical care interventions
- Strong communication and multidisciplinary teamwork skills
Nice to Have
- Critical Care nursing certificate (e.g. CCRN or equivalent)
- Experience mentoring junior nurses or student nurses
- Familiarity with electronic patient records and ICU documentation systems
- Experience in a high-volume tertiary or teaching hospital setting
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Salary Context
Above market rate for ICU Nurses in Nairobi
ICU Nurses in Kenya typically earn between KES 50,000–90,000 per month in private hospitals, making this range of KES 80,000–130,000 competitive to premium for the market. Pay in this field is heavily influenced by years of ICU-specific experience, specialist certifications like ACLS, and the tier of the employing institution — Aga Khan University Hospital sits at the top tier.
About Aga Khan University Hospital
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Nairobi is one of East Africa's leading tertiary referral hospitals, renowned for its high standards of patient care, clinical training, and medical research. Part of the global Aga Khan Development Network, it operates a 254-bed facility offering specialised services across oncology, cardiology, neuroscience, and critical care, attracting top medical talent from across the continent. For nurses, AKUH is widely regarded as a gold-standard employer offering world-class infrastructure, continuous professional development, and the opportunity to work alongside some of East Africa's most respected clinicians.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through how you would manage a ventilated patient in respiratory distress — what assessments and interventions would you prioritise?
- 2
Describe a time you identified a rapid deterioration in a critically ill patient before the attending physician. What did you do and what was the outcome?
- 3
How do you approach communication and handovers in a busy ICU to ensure continuity of care and patient safety?
- 4
Tell us about your experience mentoring junior nurses or students in a high-pressure clinical environment.
- 5
How do you maintain accuracy in patient documentation and records during a demanding shift with multiple critically ill patients?
Application Tips
Explicitly list your ICU-specific experience in years and detail the types of patients you have managed (e.g. post-surgical, trauma, sepsis, ventilated) — this is the single most screened criterion for this role.
Scan and attach your current NCK registration certificate and ACLS certification to your application, as missing credentials are a common reason candidates are filtered out early.
Include a brief cover letter paragraph describing a specific clinical outcome you contributed to in the ICU — tangible patient impact stories resonate strongly with hiring panels at teaching hospitals like AKUH.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Salary range of KES 80,000–130,000 is clearly stated and sits above the typical Nairobi private-sector ICU nursing benchmark, indicating transparency and competitiveness.
- Aga Khan University Hospital is one of East Africa's most reputable employers, offering strong institutional credibility and career prestige.
- The role explicitly includes mentorship responsibilities, signalling genuine investment in professional development and a pathway toward leadership.
- Access to a state-of-the-art ICU with multidisciplinary intensivists and specialists provides exceptional clinical exposure rarely matched in the Kenyan market.
Watch Out
- The posting does not specify shift patterns or on-call requirements, which is important context for ICU roles that often involve nights, weekends, and public holiday rotations.
- No mention of benefits such as medical cover, pension, or study leave — candidates should clarify the full compensation package before accepting an offer.
A Day in the Life
A typical week involves rotating shifts in the ICU — beginning each shift with a structured bedside handover from the outgoing nurse, reviewing vitals, ventilator settings, and medication drips for a caseload of two to four critically ill patients. Throughout the day you collaborate directly with intensivists and specialists during ward rounds, respond to rapid changes in patient condition, and meticulously update electronic patient records. Midweek may include a brief mentorship session with a student nurse shadowing you, and you will likely participate in a multidisciplinary team meeting to review complex cases and agree on care plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to apply for the ICU Nurse role at Aga Khan University Hospital?
You need a Diploma or BSc in Nursing, active registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), at least 2 years of ICU experience, and a valid ACLS certification. A Critical Care nursing certificate is preferred but not mandatory.
Is the ICU Nurse position at Aga Khan University Hospital a remote or on-site role?
This is a fully on-site, hands-on clinical role based at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi — remote work is not applicable for ICU nursing positions.
How much does an ICU Nurse earn at Aga Khan University Hospital?
The posted salary range is KES 80,000–130,000 per month, which is above the typical market rate for ICU nurses in Nairobi and reflects the seniority and specialised certifications required.
What are the career growth opportunities for an ICU Nurse at Aga Khan University Hospital?
The role includes a mentorship component suggesting a pathway toward senior or charge nurse positions, and AKUH's size and reputation provide access to specialist training, further certifications, and advancement into critical care management or nurse educator roles.
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