Senior House Officer

Job Description – Senior House Officer (SHO), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Job Title Senior House Officer (SHO) – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU/PITU) Department Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Reports To PICU Consultant / Unit Head Key Responsibilities Assess and clinically review critically ill pediatric patients on admission and during their PICU stay.

Obtain focused histories, perform appropriate clinical examinations and formulate initial management plans. Recognize and promptly manage deterioration, including respiratory failure, shock, altered consciousness and cardiac arrest. Initiate and assist with pediatric resuscitation according to current institutional protocols.

Monitor vital signs, fluid balance, urine output, neurological status and other relevant parameters. Request, interpret and act on appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations under senior supervision. Assist with airway management, oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation and invasive ventilation as appropriate to level of training and competency.

Assist with procedures such as venous access, arterial sampling, central venous access, lumbar puncture and other procedures when appropriately trained and supervised. Prescribe medications, fluids, nutrition and other treatments safely and in accordance with hospital policies. Participate in daily multidisciplinary ward rounds and communicate effectively with nursing, allied health and other medical teams.

Provide clear and timely handovers during shift changes. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and confidential medical records. Communicate appropriately with parents/guardians regarding the child's condition and treatment, within the scope of responsibility, and involve senior clinicians when required. Escalate clinical concerns promptly to the PICU registrar/consultant.

Participate in emergency calls, referrals and transfers as required. Contribute to infection prevention and control practices and maintain high standards of patient safety. Participate in clinical audit, quality-improvement activities, teaching and departmental meetings. Maintain professional competence through continuing medical education and supervised clinical practice.