ENROLLED NURSING ASSISTANT (X16 POSTS)

This advertisement seeks to fill sixteen Enrolled Nursing Assistant positions at the Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital in Howick, within the KwaZulu-Natal public service. Although the employing department is listed as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements, the actual workplace is a dedicated psychiatric facility, meaning the successful candidates will be part of a multidisciplinary team providing care to patients with mental health conditions. The role is an entry-level clinical support post, graded as an OSD position, and requires no prior work experience, making it suitable for newly qualified nursing assistants who have completed the relevant certificate. Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12 equivalent, along with a Nursing Assistant certificate that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council. Without this registration, the application cannot be considered.

The primary responsibility is to assist patients with activities of daily living, which includes physical care such as bathing, feeding, dressing and mobility support. In addition, the post requires the delivery of elementary clinical nursing care under the direct or indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse. This means performing structured tasks that fall within the legally defined scope of practice for an Enrolled Nursing Assistant, while recognising the limits of that practice and referring more complex care to higher-level professionals. The role also involves contributing to a safe and therapeutic environment in accordance with the Nursing Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other applicable prescripts. Other duties include maintaining accurate and complete patient records, adhering to infection prevention and control protocols, escorting patients to other hospitals when required, assisting the Operational Manager, and supporting the broader aims and objectives of the institution. Incumbents must also uphold the Batho Pele principles and the Patients’ Rights Charter, ensuring that clients receive respectful, quality service.

The advertised knowledge and skills requirements are comprehensive for an entry-level post. Applicants should be familiar with nursing care processes and procedures, as well as key legal frameworks including the Nursing Act, Health Act, the Labour Relations Act, Public Service Regulations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and the SANC rules and regulations. They should possess elementary communication and writing skills, the ability to function effectively as part of a team, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to organise and plan scheduled duties. Empathy, sensitivity, and a drive for excellence are emphasised, which is particularly important in a psychiatric setting where patients may be vulnerable or distressed. The role also requires the ability to provide health education to patients and family members according to the assistant’s level of knowledge and scope of practice.

Several special conditions apply to this vacancy. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents on the day of the interview, and all shortlisted applicants must undertake two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability for the post, and another assessing integrity and ethical conduct. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority at the applicant’s own responsibility. The standard new Z83 application form must be fully completed and signed, and applications submitted electronically are considered final. Candidates who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should assume their application was unsuccessful. This post is thus an excellent opportunity for a compassionate and regulated nursing assistant to begin a career in specialised psychiatric care within the South African public health framework.