Ophthalmic Day Surgery Nurse

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

A typical day for the  Ophthalmic Day Surgery Nurse includes day-of-surgery pre and post-operative medical assessments, readiness and care, instructions, education, medications and discharge sign-offs for ophthalmic patients having cataract, strabismus, pterygium and other ophthalmic surgeries.

What you will contribute

• Work closely with and assist the Ophthalmic Day Surgery Nurse Team Leader in maintaining a well-stocked, clean Ophthalmic Day Surgery Unit

• Assess, plan, implement, and document patient care for day-of-surgery, including review of patient charts and identification of conditions requiring special medical attention or concern (ie hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, high IOP levels, etc); communicate medical concerns or alerts to and the Ophthalmic Surgeon and OR Nurse Ophthalmic Team Leader prior to surgery

• Provide or direct admission procedures, pre-surgical instructions, review of medical conditions upon admission (ie blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar levels, etc)

• Instill or direct instilment of eye drops to include anesthetic, mydriatic and therapeutic drops, under the direction of licensed medical provider and hospital protocols

• Administer pre- and post-operative medications as directed by Ophthalmic Surgeon or licensed medical provider, within the scope of licensure, Ophthalmic Program parameters, and hospital protocols

• Provide or direct immediate post-operative monitoring of ophthalmic patients, discharge instructions, post-operative appointments timing, eye care education and discharge sign-offs

For This Role, You Will Need

• Registered Nurse with active licensure; 1 year experience preferred

• Recent Ophthalmic experience preferred

• Current Basic Life Support certification is required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support are optional

• Written and verbal fluency in English

• Flexibility and sensitivity to language and cultural diversity

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.