PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1-2 (PN-B1-2): NEPHROLOGY (X3 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity for a qualified and experienced professional nurse to join the nephrology unit at Ermelo Hospital, located in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalaanga. The role is advertised as a Professional Nurse Grade 1 or Grade 2, depending on the candidate’s level of experience, and there are three posts available. As a specialist nephrology nurse, the incumbent will be responsible for delivering comprehensive, holistic care to patients with renal conditions, working within a multidisciplinary team and in accordance with the legal and professional framework governing nursing practice in South Africa. The role is based within a hospital setting and requires a high level of clinical competence, independence, and the ability to manage both patient care and unit resources effectively.

To be considered for this post, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12 qualification, along with a basic qualification in General Nursing that is accredited with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) in terms of Government Notice R425. This may be a diploma or degree in general nursing, or an equivalent qualification that allows registration as a Professional Nurse and Midwife. In addition, candidates must have completed a post-basic nursing qualification in Nephrology Nursing Science, with a duration of at least one year, accredited with the SANC in terms of Government Notice R212. For appointment at Grade 1 level, a minimum of four years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse is required. For Grade 2, candidates need at least fourteen years of such experience, of which at least ten years must be in the specific specialty of nephrology after obtaining the post-basic qualification. The role also demands strong leadership, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making, supervisory, and teaching skills, as well as the ability to work independently and prioritise tasks.

The duties of the nephrology professional nurse are wide-ranging and include providing optimal, holistic specialised nursing care within set standards and a professional legal framework. The nurse will be expected to deliver comprehensive health care services in the nephrology unit, manage resources effectively and efficiently, and ensure quality patient care by following norms and standards. Participation in quality improvement programmes is a key responsibility, as is supervising and implementing patient care standards. The nurse must practise in accordance with the statutory laws governing the nursing profession, labour, and health care, and build constructive working relationships with nurses and other stakeholders. Compliance with infection prevention and control policies is essential, and the nurse must ensure that all equipment is functional and ready for use at all times. Other duties include prioritising and coordinating patient management activities according to protocols, planning and organising both personal work and that of support personnel, participating in staff development and performance management, and reporting patient safety incidents, challenges, and deficiencies within the unit. The nurse must also work effectively and amicably with people of diverse intellectual, cultural, racial, or religious backgrounds, and uphold the Batho Pele Principles and the Patient’s Rights Charter.

Applicants should note that this is a full-time professional nursing post within the public health sector, and the selection process may include various assessments and checks. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents before the interview, and all foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Candidates must disclose any business interests with an organ of state or additional remunerative work outside their normal duties. The department may conduct personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial, qualification, and reference verification. The successful candidate will be required to enter into an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests annually. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no feedback is received within three months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated nephrology nurse to contribute to specialist patient care in a public hospital setting.