Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 (General: Night Duty) (Permanent position)

This permanent position is for an Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1, specifically responsible for General Night Duty at Brewelskloof Hospital, which falls under the Cape Winelands TB Centre in the Breede Valley Sub-district of the Cape Winelands Health District. The role is a senior nursing management post within the public health sector, requiring a professional nurse who can take full operational charge of all hospital departments during night shifts. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strong leadership and supervision to nursing staff and other personnel on night duty, ensuring that patient care remains safe, effective, and aligned with the strategic goals and objectives of the organisation. This includes implementing relevant policies, regulations, and professional nursing practices across the hospital after hours.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification, meaning a diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification such as R683 plus R254, that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. A four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing, or equivalent combinations such as R683 plus R1497 or R171 plus R1497, is also acceptable. In addition, candidates need a minimum of seven years appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registering as a Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing. The inherent requirements of the job include a valid Code B or EB driver’s licence, a willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays on both day and night duty when required, and compulsory standby duty. Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse with proof of current registration is essential.

The core duties of this position are broad and demanding. The operational manager must manage, supervise, and coordinate patient care and human resources on night duty across all departments of Brewelskloof Hospital. This involves providing strategic leadership and guidance to realise the organisation’s goals through the implementation of policies, regulations, and professional practices. The role also requires collecting, verifying, and submitting accurate midnight reports and ensuring proper handover of activities on the night shift. Quality assurance is a major responsibility, including auditing clinical records, conducting ward rounds, managing patient safety incidents and complaints, and coordinating in-service training for staff on night duty. The incumbent must also utilise information management systems effectively to enhance patient care and service delivery.

Candidates should possess basic computer literacy and a sound knowledge and insight of relevant legislation and policy related to this nursing specialty within the public sector. The ability to function independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team is crucial, as are skills in promoting quality patient care through setting, implementing, and monitoring standards. Effective communication, interpersonal, leadership, organisational, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills are all required. This position is graded at Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 and includes a non-pensionable rural allowance of 8% of basic annual salary, applicable only to the Breede Valley Sub-district, alongside benefits such as a 13th cheque, employer pension contributions, and housing and medical aid allowances. Applicants should note that no payment of any kind is required when applying, and a practical test and competency test will form part of the selection process.