PROFESSIONAL NURSE SPECIALTY PAEDIATRICS (GRADE 1-2) (X4 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity for a dedicated and experienced nursing professional to join Newcastle Regional Hospital as a Professional Nurse Specialty in Paediatrics, with four posts available. The role operates within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and is graded according to the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) for nursing specialties, meaning that appointment can be made at either Grade 1 or Grade 2 depending on the candidate’s level of experience. As a specialty nurse, the successful candidate will be expected to deliver comprehensive, high-quality nursing care to paediatric patients within a dedicated unit, while also contributing to the broader management and smooth functioning of that unit. The hospital context demands a practitioner who can work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, uphold professional standards, and respond to the needs of young patients and their families with empathy and efficiency.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with a Diploma or Degree in General Nursing, and must be registered with the South African Nursing Council as a General Nurse and Midwifery. In addition, a post-basic qualification in Child Nursing Science is essential. For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience is required after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing. For Grade 2, candidates must have at least four years of appropriate experience after registration, of which at least ten years must be in the specific speciality of paediatrics, gained after obtaining the one-year post-basic qualification in Child Nursing Science. The role also demands a range of competencies, including a thorough knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, familiarity with legal frameworks governing healthcare, strong verbal and written communication skills, report-writing ability, sound decision-making and problem-solving skills, and the capacity for conflict management and negotiation.

The duties attached to this post are broad and encompass both clinical and administrative responsibilities. The nurse will provide comprehensive, cost-effective, and efficient nursing care to patients in the paediatric specialty unit, and will assist in planning, organising, and monitoring the unit’s objectives. Resource management is a key component, including the effective use of staff, consumables, and equipment to ensure optimum service delivery. The nurse must be able to plan and organise their own work as well as that of support personnel, always displaying a genuine concern for patients and advocating proper treatment and care in line with the Batho Pele principles. Effective communication with patients, relatives, supervisors, and other clinicians is essential, as is the ability to write reports when required. The post holder must ensure compliance with national, provincial, and professional prescripts to render a safe patient service and improve client satisfaction. Participation in the analysis and formulation of nursing policies and procedures is expected, as is involvement in the EPMDS evaluation of staff, identifying training needs, and providing direct and indirect supervision and guidance to all staff within the unit. Additional duties include ordering and monitoring consumables, ensuring equipment is adequate and in working order, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment, assisting with orientation and mentoring of nursing personnel, and demonstrating an understanding of human resource and financial management policies. The nurse will also monitor and evaluate patient care, maintain accurate and complete patient records, and provide support to nursing services as needed.

This department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Appointment is subject to a positive outcome from security clearance, credit record checks, qualification verification, citizenship verification, and previous employment verification. All shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to determine suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post, and an integrity assessment. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, with certified copies of identification and qualifications requested only from shortlisted candidates. The relevant reference number must be indicated on the Z83 form and on the envelope. Due to the large number of applications expected, receipt will not be acknowledged, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Furthermore, no S&T claims will be considered for payment to candidates invited for an interview. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a paediatric nursing specialist who is ready to take on clinical leadership and operational responsibility within a regional hospital setting.