PROFESSIONAL NURSE SPECIALTY (X2 POSTS)

This is a vacancy for two Professional Nurse Specialty posts at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital, based within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The successful candidates will work in the Operating Theatre Nursing Science specialty, providing specialist perioperative nursing care within a busy hospital environment. The role forms part of the hospital’s nursing directorate and requires close collaboration with the broader multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and compassionate patient care. The position is graded at two levels, allowing for appointment at either Grade 1 or Grade 2 depending on the candidate’s years of relevant experience and qualifications.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or equivalent, a Degree or Diploma in General Nursing, and a relevant one-year post-basic qualification in Operating Theatre Nursing Science. Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse is essential, and candidates must be able to produce a current SANC receipt for 2026. 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 SANC in General Nursing is required. For Grade 2, candidates need at least fourteen years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration, of which at least ten years must be in the specialty after obtaining the post-basic qualification in Operating Theatre Nursing Science. The role demands sound knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, nursing statutes and the relevant legal framework, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills, coordination and liaison abilities, problem-solving and critical thinking, and the capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. A commitment to maintaining professional growth, ethical standards and self-development is also expected.

The core duties involve the effective management of patients, displaying genuine concern for their wellbeing, and advocating for their needs. The post holder will be responsible for proper treatment and care, including being aware of and responding to patient needs, requirements and expectations. Quality service delivery is a key focus, achieved through setting standards, policies and procedures, and participating in the implementation of national priority clinical guidelines and protocols. Accurate and complete patient records must be maintained in line with legal requirements. The role also includes exercising control over discipline, grievance and labour relations issues, promoting good working relationships among staff and patients, and assisting in the supervision and development of all nursing staff. The nurse will contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity rates, participate actively in hospital programmes such as infection prevention and control and quality assurance, and help provide a safe, therapeutic and hygienic environment for patients, visitors and staff.

The Employment Equity target for these posts is an African Male, and the department is an equal opportunity, affirmative employer that encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Appointment is subject to a positive outcome from the National Intelligence Agency checks, including security clearance, credit records, qualification verification, citizenship, previous employment verification and verification from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to determine technical and generic suitability for the post, and an integrity assessment covering ethical conduct. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and if no feedback is received within two months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the posts.