PROFESSIONAL NURSE SPECIALTY PNB1 (ORTHOPAEDIC) (X5 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced and dedicated professional nurse to specialise in orthopaedic care within the Nursing Department at Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team in a busy tertiary setting, providing specialised nursing care to patients with orthopaedic conditions. As a Professional Nurse Specialty at PNB1 level, the role demands both clinical expertise and leadership, with a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards of patient care, safety, and ethical practice. The post is one of five available, reflecting the hospital’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its orthopaedic unit and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, quality-centred treatment.

Applicants must hold a Basic R425 qualification in Nursing, either a diploma or degree, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Current registration with the SANC is essential, along with a post-basic nursing qualification in the relevant specialty, accredited by the SANC and lasting at least one year. In addition, candidates need a minimum of four years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration in General Nursing, with at least one year of that experience specifically gained in an orthopaedic unit. This experience may be obtained while completing the one-year post-basic qualification in the specialty, ensuring that the applicant has both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to orthopaedic nursing.

The duties of the role are broad and demanding. The nurse will be expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of nursing legislation and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern practice. Clinical duties must be performed in line with the scope of practice and the nursing standards set by the health facility. The role requires effective communication with patients, supervisors, and other clinicians, including the ability to write reports when necessary. The nurse must work cooperatively with people from diverse intellectual, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds, and must be able to plan and organise both their own work and that of support personnel. A patient-centred approach is central, guided by Batho Pele principles, with a genuine concern for promoting and advocating proper treatment and care. The nurse will also provide direction and supervision in implementing nursing care plans, ensuring that clinical practices and quality patient care are maintained. This includes implementing standards, practices, and indicators for quality nursing, with a focus on preventing serious adverse events. Additional responsibilities include the efficient use of human and physical resources, managing the performance of subordinates through the PMDS system, and maintaining professional growth and ethical standards for both self and team members. The ability to work shifts and perform under stressful conditions is essential. Furthermore, the nurse must demonstrate knowledge of the Ideal Hospital Realization Framework and implement it effectively, adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures, create and maintain a safe environment, and identify and prevent risks within the unit.

This is a demanding but rewarding role for a nurse who is committed to excellence in orthopaedic care. The Gauteng Department of Health is guided by Employment Equity principles, and applications from people with disabilities and all designated groups are encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, criminal record, credit stability, and employment history, as well as reference checks. Candidates with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation certificate if shortlisted. The recommended candidate may also be subject to medical surveillance in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. All shortlisted candidates will undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, which will be scored as part of the interview process. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.