ASSISTANT MANAGER NURSING (AREA)

This position offers an experienced professional nurse the opportunity to step into a senior managerial role within the Eastern Cape Department of Health, based at Empilisweni Hospital in the Joe Gqabi District. As the Assistant Manager Nursing (Area), you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centred care across the facility, ensuring that nursing practice aligns with professional standards, legal frameworks and the department’s strategic priorities. This is an OSD-graded post, reflecting the seniority and scope of responsibility attached to the role, and it places you at the heart of operational nursing leadership within a public hospital setting.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification — a Diploma or Degree in Nursing or an equivalent qualification — and maintain current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. The position requires a minimum of eight years’ appropriate experience as a Professional Nurse after registration, with at least three of those years gained at a managerial level. The department is seeking a candidate who can work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and who demonstrates a solid understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Batho Pele Principles, the Patient Rights Charter, Labour Relations, and the Public Service Act. Strong managerial, communication and report-writing abilities, as well as problem-solving skills and computer literacy, are essential. A valid driver’s licence is also required, along with the capacity to work under pressure and a working knowledge of the six key priority areas in public health.

The core duties of this role revolve around coordinating and supervising effective patient care. You will delegate tasks appropriately, oversee the implementation of nursing care plans and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure high standards are maintained. A significant part of the work involves building and sustaining constructive working relationships with nursing staff and other stakeholders, including interprofessional, intersectoral and multi-disciplinary teams. You will also contribute to the analysis, formulation and implementation of nursing guidelines, practices, standards and procedures. Resource management is another key responsibility, covering the proper utilisation of human, financial and physical resources within your area. Additionally, the role includes initiating and participating in health promotion activities to ensure that accurate, relevant and comprehensive health information is consistently communicated to patients and the community.

This is an equal-opportunity post, and the department particularly encourages females and people with disabilities to apply, with such status to be indicated in the application. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment, both of which will be scored as part of the interview process. Appointment is subject to personnel suitability checks, such as security vetting, qualification verification, criminal record checks and reference checks. It is important to note that applicants must submit only a fully completed new Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with certified supporting documents being requested only from shortlisted candidates at a later stage. Any misrepresentation in the application will lead to automatic disqualification. If you do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned nursing professional ready to take on a leadership role that shapes patient care and nursing practice in a district hospital environment.