Clinical Nurse Specialist (Perinatal Genetics), Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Entity: Aga Khan University Hospital
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Introduction:
The Aga Khan University Hospital is a not-for-profit healthcare institute that offers all medical services to their patients under one roof. In addition to the tertiary care hospital in Karachi, AKUH has a network of 4 Off-campus Hospitals, 30+ Medical Centres, and over 290+ Clinical Laboratories, 30+ Pharmacies in over 120+ cities across Pakistan. It also offers Home Healthcare Services and home deliveries of medicines. The Hospital provides Zakat for those patients who are eligible, and the health systems offers generous Patient Welfare to support those in financial need. In recognition of its high quality and patient safety, the AKUH is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) as an Academic Medical Centre and its Clinical Laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for fast and accurate testing.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.
Responsibilities:
You will be expected to oversee Perinatal Genetics services which includes, but not limited to, coordinating care, facilitating appropriate clinical and genetic testing, and making timely referrals based on the patient’s health needs. You will be responsible to provide health education, psychosocial support, and genetic counseling to families at risk for hereditary conditions, while also promoting genetic and genomic education among patients and healthcare teams. You will also mentor nursing and midwifery staff, lead quality improvement initiatives, ensure continuity of care across the perinatal continuum through the integration of advanced clinical expertise, patient advocacy, and system-level coordination and play a critical role in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Specific responsibilities include to:
conduct thorough evaluations of pregnant and postpartum individuals with known or suspected genetic conditions,
identify high-risk cases early and facilitate appropriate testing and diagnosis.
deliver care that is evidence-based, compassionate, and aligned with institutional and global standards.
offer thoughtful, clear, and culturally sensitive genetic counselling to patients and families,
explain complex genetic concepts and test results to support informed decision-making, and
help patients in navigate the emotional and psychological impacts of genetic diagnosis
collaborate with obstetricians, paediatricians, geneticists, and specialists to build coordinated care plans,
manage timely referrals and ensure seamless continuity of care from diagnosis to delivery and beyond.
serve as a liaison and advocate for patients navigating complex care systems,.
mentor nurses, midwives, and allied health staff in genetic and perinatal best practices, design and deliver educational sessions on genetics and genomics in clinical care.
champion the integration of genetic content into clinical training and staff development.
lead projects that enhance perinatal genetic services and improve patient outcomes.
Participate in audits, research, and service evaluations to ensure excellence.
help shape protocols and pathways that bring genetics into everyday maternal care
Stay current with advances in genetics, genomics, and perinatal nursing, and represent nursing perspective on committees and advocacy initiatives, contribute to academic and professional circles through research, publications, and presentations.
Requirements:
You should have:
Bachelors degree in Nursing, preferably a Master’s degree in the same or any other relevant degree
specialized certification in Genetic Nursing
valid registration from Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council and certifications in, Basic Life Support Provider / Instructor,
ACLS and NRP Provider / Instructor,
Safe Medication Administration,
Intravenous Cannulation,
Service Excellence etc.at least five years of nursing experience, including at least two years of clinical experience in the field of Clinical Genomics
ability to interpret and prescribe relevant diagnostic investigation and intervention in consultation with the physician, and integrate pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic concepts of appropriate drugs used
ability to effectively work independently well as with multidisciplinary teams
excellent interpersonal skills, particularly communication and leadership skills
proficient in the use of computers, particularly MS Office package
willingness for national and international travel, and to work in shifts.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.