PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1 TO 2 (SPECIALTY: ICU HIGH CARE & RENAL) (

This position is a specialist professional nurse post based at George Regional Hospital, working within the Rural Health Services directorate of the Western Cape Department of Health. The successful candidate will be appointed as a Professional Nurse Grade 1 or Grade 2, depending on their level of experience, and will be assigned to the Intensive Care High Care and Renal unit. This is a demanding clinical environment that provides both adult and paediatric care, requiring a nurse who can combine expert bedside practice with leadership, supervision and quality improvement responsibilities. The role is central to maintaining safe, effective and compassionate care in a regional hospital setting, and the post holder will work closely with the unit manager and operational manager to ensure the smooth running of the unit.

Applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification in nursing, or an equivalent qualification such as R683, which allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, they must have completed either a one-year post-basic nursing qualification accredited by the SANC in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Critical Care Nursing (General or Child), or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (R174 or equivalent) together with a postgraduate diploma in Critical Care Nursing (Adult or Child). Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse is a firm requirement. For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years of appropriate nursing experience after registration is required. For Grade 2, the candidate needs at least fourteen years of appropriate experience, of which at least ten years must have been gained after obtaining the relevant specialist critical care qualification. The role also demands a willingness to work shifts, including day and night duty, weekends, public holidays and standby duty, in order to meet the operational needs of the unit.

The core duties involve using expert knowledge to ensure high-quality care for both adult and paediatric patients, identifying and preventing risks, and participating in quality improvement initiatives. The professional nurse will provide direction, supervision and education to nursing personnel, guided by audit results and clinical data. They will also support the unit manager in coordinating and controlling activities, personnel, equipment and stores, ensuring that human, material and physical resources are used efficiently. Professionalism and adherence to the core values of the Western Cape Department of Health are essential, as is practising within the legislation, regulations and protocols applicable to the public service. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of relevant health legislation and departmental policies, strong planning and organisational skills, and the ability to analyse problems, make decisions and provide leadership towards the strategic goals of the intensive and high care unit.

Candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they are applying for the first time for registration in the relevant post-basic or postgraduate qualification. Such candidates will only be considered if they submit proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the registration fees on or before the day of the interview. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. This is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for a critical care nurse seeking to advance their career within a public health setting, contributing directly to patient outcomes and the development of nursing staff in a regional hospital.