OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALTY)- CRITICAL CARE REF NO: GS 15/26 Component: Nursing Department- Neonatal ICU

This position offers an experienced professional nurse the opportunity to lead and manage the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and nursery at Grey’s Hospital, a major public health facility in Pietermaritzburg. As the Operational Manager Nursing for Critical Care, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall clinical and administrative functioning of the neonatal department, ensuring that all nursing activities align with provincial and national health standards. The role sits within a busy tertiary hospital environment and requires a nurse who can balance strategic planning with hands-on oversight of daily operations, staff management, and patient safety.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate and a degree or diploma in general nursing that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. A one-year post-basic qualification in adult, paediatric, or neonatal critical care nursing is essential, along with current SANC registration for 2026. The experience requirement is substantial: either a minimum of nine years of appropriate nursing experience after registration, of which five years must be gained after obtaining the critical care qualification, or a minimum of fourteen years of experience, with ten years post-qualification in critical care. This ensures that only candidates with deep clinical exposure and leadership readiness are considered. Shortlisted applicants will need to produce certified documents and service certificates endorsed by Human Resources.

The duties are broad and demanding. The operational manager will plan, organize, and monitor the objectives of the Neonatal ICU and nursery, create a therapeutic environment for patients, staff, and the public, and ensure high-quality, safe nursing care through risk assessments and incident reporting. Resource management is a key component, including supervising staff and controlling costs. The role also involves coordinating training and research aimed at improving neonatal care, maintaining discipline, professionalism, and work ethics, and ensuring compliance with infection prevention and control programmes such as Ideal Hospital Realisation and Maintenance and Norms and Standards. The incumbent will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with families and stakeholders, and provide relief support to nursing management when needed.

Candidates should possess strong knowledge of nursing statutes and legal frameworks, including the Nursing Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Patients’ Rights Charter, Batho Pele principles, Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act, and disciplinary and grievance procedures. Leadership, organisational, decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal, and basic computer skills are also required. This is an OSD-graded position within the public service, offering a competitive salary package that includes a 13th cheque, optional medical aid, and a home owners allowance subject to prescribed requirements. Employment equity targets for this post specifically encourage applications from African and Coloured males and females. Applicants need only submit the new Z83 form and a detailed CV initially, with shortlisted candidates undergoing pre-entry practical and integrity assessments. The closing date and application instructions are provided in the official vacancy circular, and all enquiries should be directed to the nursing manager at Grey’s Hospital.