AJARA MUSAH
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Registered nurse with 13+ years of bedside experience delivering neurosurgical and medical-surgical care, including serial neurological assessments, seizure precautions, and post-ictal support. Skilled in medication administration, wound care, and patient education. Strong track record of interdisciplinary coordination supported by master’s-level nursing preparation and an active DC RN license.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Experienced Nurse — Neurosurgical Unit
Tamale Teaching Hospital
, Ghana
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Oversaw daily care for 45+ patients, ensuring timely interventions and comprehensive support.
- Initiated safety protocols, reducing infection rate by 30%
- Conducted serial neurological assessments, including level of consciousness, pupillary response, motor and sensory function, cranial nerve assessment, and speech evaluation based on acuity and unit protocol.
- Monitored for neurological deterioration and post-operative complications, escalating promptly.
- Administered oral, IV, and injectable medications including anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and antiepileptic, recognizing and responding to adverse effects.
- Implemented seizure precautions, recognized seizure activity, ensured patient safety, and provided post-ictal care.
- Performed IV cannulation, complex wound care, urinary catheterization, NG tube insertion and feeding, and specimen collection at the bedside.
- Educated patients and families on condition management and medication adherence, coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to facilitate safe discharge.
- Served as charge nurse and clinical resource, providing bedside training and supervision to nursing staff, orientees, and students.
Registered Nurse — Neurosurgical Unit (Quality Assurance)
Tamale Teaching Hospital
, Ghana
01.2016 - 11.2020
- Created clinical protocols and guidelines for neurosurgical and medical conditions, enhancing care consistency.
- Performed audits of nursing interventions, pinpointing areas for enhancing patient care quality.
- Engaged in unit performance improvement activities focused on elevating patient safety and satisfaction.
- Achieved “Cleanest Ward” recognition, 2017–2019, through team-led infection control.
Senior Nursing officer — Neurosurgical Unit
Tamale Teaching Hospital
, Ghana
08.2013 - 08.2019
- Delivered direct bedside nursing care to neurosurgical patients, emphasizing assessment, monitoring, and intervention to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
- Performed serial neurological assessments and monitored for neurological deterioration.
- Administered medications, performed wound care and complex dressings, catheterization, and specimen collection.
- Guided patients and families in understanding disease conditions and treatment plans, enhancing their engagement in care processes.
- Oversaw junior staff and nursing students in clinical practice, fostering skill development and adherence to clinical standards.
Registered Nurse — Medical-Surgical Unit
Tamale Teaching Hospital
, Ghana
07.2008 - 08.2013
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs while performing complex wound care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Delivered direct nursing care to medical-surgical patients, assessed needs, and developed individualized care plans to enhance patient recovery.
- Educated patients and families on disease conditions and ongoing care needs to promote understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
Education
Master of Science - Advanced Nursing Practice
University of Cape Coast
Ghana01-2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University for Development Studies
Tamale, Ghana01-2013
Diploma - Nursing (top-up)
University of Ghana
Legon01-2009
Certificate - General Nursing
Tamale Nurses Training College
Ghana01-2006
Skills
- Serial Neurological Assessment
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
- Seizure Precautions and Post-Ictal Care
- Medication Administration (Oral, IM, Subcutaneous, IV Push, Infusion)
- IV Cannulation and Therapy
- Wound Care and Complex Dressings
- NG Tube Insertion and Feeding
- Urinary Catheterization
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Rapid Response and Code Blue Activation
- SBAR Handoff
- EHR Documentation
- Patient and Family Education
- Neurological assessment
- Critical thinking
- Clinical judgment
- Clear communication
- Patient advocacy
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN) — District of Columbia | License Active
- Registered Nurse (RN) — Montana Board of Nursing | License Active since December 2025
- Registered Nurse (RN) — Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana | Active since July 2008
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider — American Heart Association | 10/2026 – 10/2028
LANGUAGES
- English (Fluent)
- Twi (Native)
Accomplishments
- Initiated a monthly support group for mothers and caregivers of infants with hydrocephalus, providing education on raised intracranial pressure and shunt blockage warning signs; established a telephone line for between-meeting guidance.
- Achieved “Cleanest Ward” recognition at Tamale Teaching Hospital, 2017–2019.
- Led annual community outreach on breast cancer screening and awareness in Tamale.
- Volunteered as wound care nurse for Nyohini Orphanage Home.
Affiliations
- Nurses and Midwives Council of Ghana (NMC)
- Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)
Timeline
Experienced Nurse — Neurosurgical Unit
Tamale Teaching Hospital
08.2019 - 04.2020
Registered Nurse — Neurosurgical Unit (Quality Assurance)
Tamale Teaching Hospital
01.2016 - 11.2020
Senior Nursing officer — Neurosurgical Unit
Tamale Teaching Hospital
08.2013 - 08.2019
Registered Nurse — Medical-Surgical Unit
Tamale Teaching Hospital
07.2008 - 08.2013
Master of Science - Advanced Nursing Practice
University of Cape Coast
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University for Development Studies
Diploma - Nursing (top-up)
University of Ghana
Certificate - General Nursing
Tamale Nurses Training College