OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING: GENERAL (MEDICAL FEMALE: WARD)

This is a senior nursing management position within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, based at Khayelitsha District Hospital under the Metro Health Services directorate. The Operational Manager Nursing for the General Medical Female Ward is responsible for leading and supervising nursing staff to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and efficient patient care in a busy district hospital environment. The role sits within the public health sector and is graded as an OSD nursing post, reflecting the specialised clinical and managerial responsibilities attached to the position. As a ward-based operational manager, the incumbent acts as the clinical and administrative leader for the unit, coordinating daily activities, supporting staff development and maintaining the standards of professional nursing practice.

Candidates must meet the minimum educational requirements, which include a basic R425 diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Alternatively, a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or an equivalent combination of qualifications is accepted. In addition to holding current registration with the SANC, applicants must have at least seven years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse in General Nursing. A key inherent requirement of the job is a willingness to work rotational shifts, including day and night duty, weekends and public holidays, in line with the operational needs of the hospital.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing nursing practice, as well as sound leadership and people management skills. The ability to maintain constructive relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team is essential, along with computer literacy and appropriate financial management skills. Effective verbal and written communication is also required, as the role involves interacting with patients, families, colleagues and other stakeholders across the health system.

In terms of duties, the Operational Manager will supervise and ensure the provision of adequate nursing care, coordinate and monitor the implementation of nursing care plans, and evaluate their effectiveness. The role includes providing relevant health information to health care users to support optimal health outcomes and rehabilitation. The incumbent will participate in the analysis, formulation and implementation of nursing guidelines, practices, standards and mandatory procedures, and will manage and monitor the proper utilisation of human, financial and physical resources within the ward. This includes ensuring that staffing levels are appropriate, that resources are used efficiently, and that the ward operates in compliance with professional and departmental standards.

Notably, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this post, and all applications are subject to the standard public service recruitment process. This position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional nurse to take on a leadership role in a dynamic district hospital setting, contributing directly to the quality and continuity of nursing care for a vulnerable patient population.