Professional Nurse Grade 1 to 2 (Specialty Nursing: Operating Theatre) (Maternity) (Permanent position)

This permanent specialist nursing post is based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory and focuses on operating theatre care within the maternity block. The position is advertised at both Professional Nurse Grade 1 and Grade 2 levels, allowing applicants with differing levels of experience to be considered. The successful candidate will deliver optimal, holistic and specialised nursing care to patients in the maternity operating theatre, working within a professional and legal framework and in accordance with the hospital’s protocols, policies and procedures. This includes practising within the realms of infection prevention and control, occupational health and safety, risk management and quality assurance. The nurse will also be expected to use human, material and physical resources efficiently and effectively, and to take part in research, training and development activities.

Applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification, namely a diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, they need a post-basic nursing qualification of at least one year, accredited with the South African Nursing Council in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Operating Theatre, or a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing together with a postgraduate diploma accredited with the South African Nursing Council in Peri Operative Nursing. Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse is a requirement. A special concession applies to health professionals who are applying for the first time for registration in a specific category: candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of their application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees to the relevant council on or before the day of the interview. No payment of any kind is required when applying for these posts.

For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years of appropriate and recognisable experience in nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council in General Nursing is required. For Grade 2, the requirement is a minimum of 14 years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience, with at least ten of those years in the specific speciality after obtaining the post-basic qualification in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Operating Theatre or the postgraduate diploma in Peri Operative Nursing. The role calls for sound knowledge of nursing and health service-related acts, legislation, policies and practices, as well as problem-solving, report writing, liaison and facilitation skills. Basic computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and the use of the Internet is also necessary. The position is physically demanding, requiring the ability to stand for long hours and to lift heavy equipment.

Inherent requirements include a willingness to assist in other units within the Maternity Block during emergencies, and a willingness to work shifts, public holidays, after hours, night duty and weekend cover for nursing. This is a challenging specialist role within a large tertiary hospital, offering the opportunity to apply advanced peri-operative nursing skills in a maternity setting while contributing to quality patient care, teaching and research.