NURSING ASSISTANT (X6 POSTS)

This is an opportunity for six Nursing Assistants to join Katleho District Hospital, operating within the Free State Department of Education’s broader public service framework. The role is central to the day-to-day functioning of the hospital ward, providing essential support to professional nurses and ensuring that patients receive dignified, compassionate and competent elementary care. As a Nursing Assistant, you will be expected to work closely with patients who may be frail, recovering from surgery, living with chronic conditions, or otherwise dependent on nursing staff for their basic needs. The position is graded according to recognised experience levels, meaning that appointment may be made at one of three grades depending on how many years of appropriate post-registration experience the successful candidate brings.

To be considered, applicants must hold a basic qualification that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Nursing Assistant, and must have current registration with the SANC for the 2026/2027 period. Entry-level candidates with no experience after registration may apply for Grade 1, while Grade 2 requires a minimum of ten years of appropriate and recognisable experience, and Grade 3 requires at least twenty years. Beyond formal qualifications, the role demands a working knowledge of nursing care standards, the Nursing Act, and the Public Service Regulations of 2016, as amended. Good elementary communication skills are essential, as you will be interacting with patients who may be anxious, confused, or unable to express themselves clearly.

The duties are hands-on and varied. You will assist patients with activities of daily living, including physical care, maintaining personal hygiene, ensuring adequate nutrition, helping with mobility, and supporting elimination processes. You will also provide elementary clinical nursing care, such as measuring, interpreting and recording vital signs, operating relevant apparatus and equipment, and assisting professional nurses with clinical procedures like the administration of oral medication. Preparation of patients for diagnostic and surgical procedures is another key responsibility. In addition, you are expected to maintain professional growth, uphold ethical standards, and adhere to the code of conduct required by both the Public Service and the professional nursing body.

The department is committed to promoting representativity, and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, particularly people with disabilities, women, and youth. Shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record verification, citizenship checks, financial record checks, and qualification verification, and may be asked to consent to access to their social media accounts. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications at the application stage, but certified documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and non-RSA residents will need to provide proof of residence if shortlisted. Separate applications must be submitted for each vacancy, and those who left the public service through voluntary severance packages are not eligible. The department reserves the right not to fill the posts, and salary progression is subject to performance assessment. If no notification is received within four months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.