CLINICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER (PHC) (X2 POSTS)

This advertisement invites applications for two Clinical Nurse Practitioner posts within the Primary Health Care programme at the Ilembe Health District Office, based at KwaDukuza Primary Health Care. The successful candidates will work as part of the district health team delivering comprehensive primary health care services across the KwaDukuza sub-district. The context of the role is important: most clinics in the sub-district operate from seven in the morning until six in the evening, one clinic operates over a full 24-hour period, and two other clinics provide on-call services after hours. Staff should therefore be prepared to be allocated or relieved at any of the nine facilities within the sub-district when the need arises, which means flexibility and a willingness to work shifts or extended hours are essential.

Applicants must meet the requirements for either Grade 1 or Grade 2. For Grade 1, a Matric or Senior Certificate is required, together with a diploma or degree in General Nursing Science and Midwifery that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a General Nurse. In addition, candidates need a one-year post-basic qualification in Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care, which is the Primary Health Care qualification, and current registration with SANC for 2026. Grade 1 also requires a minimum of four years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience as a General Nurse. For Grade 2, the same educational and registration requirements apply, but the experience threshold is much higher: at least fourteen years of appropriate nursing experience after registration as a General Nurse, of which ten years must be relevant Primary Health Care experience gained after obtaining the post-basic PHC qualification. This makes the Grade 2 post suitable for very experienced nurse practitioners who have spent a substantial portion of their careers in PHC settings.

The role demands a broad range of professional knowledge and personal competencies. Candidates must have sound knowledge of applicable legislation, including the Nursing Act, Mental Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Batho Pele Principles, the Patient’s Rights Charter, the Labour Relations Act and grievance procedures. Strong leadership, organisational, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict handling and counselling skills are required, as are good listening and communication abilities. The post also calls for coordination and planning skills, team building and supervisory skills, and the capacity to build constructive interpersonal relationships. A good insight into nursing care policies and procedures is essential, along with the ability to assist in developing patient care related policies.

The duties are wide-ranging and centre on delivering quality, comprehensive primary health care. The nurse practitioner will provide promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to clients and the community, while ensuring the proper use and safekeeping of basic medical equipment, surgical supplies and pharmaceutical stock. Supervision forms a major part of the role, including direct and indirect supervision of all nursing staff, orientation, induction and monitoring, as well as providing guidance and motivating junior staff to develop their expertise. The practitioner must uphold Batho Pele principles in all service delivery, execute duties according to the scope of practice, and implement infection control standards. Other responsibilities include conducting clinical audits, developing quality improvement plans, providing health education and in-service training, managing patient records in both written and electronic form, and ensuring the efficient use of human, material and financial resources. The post also requires strengthening data systems and treatment outcomes by assisting with capturing information on Tier.net, and supporting the Ideal Clinic and Office of Health Standards Compliance programmes in the facility.

This is an OSD-graded position with a rural allowance and additional benefits such as a 13th cheque, optional medical aid and a housing allowance, subject to prescribed requirements. The appointment is subject to a positive security clearance from the National Intelligence Agency. Applicants should note the standard government application process: a fully completed Z83 form and a detailed CV must be submitted by the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be asked to produce certified copies of qualifications and other documents. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who have not been contacted within two months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Given the operational demands of the sub-district, applicants must be prepared for possible placement at any of the nine clinics and for working outside normal hours when required.