PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1 GENERAL STREAM (X3 POSTS)

This vacancy offers three posts for a Professional Nurse Grade 1 in the General Stream at Umzimkhulu Psychiatric Hospital, a specialist facility within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The role is an OSD-graded nursing position focused on delivering comprehensive, quality mental health nursing care within a multidisciplinary team. Successful candidates will work in a psychiatric hospital environment, providing direct patient care, supporting the unit manager, and helping to maintain a therapeutic and safe setting for patients with mental health conditions. The position requires a commitment to the values of the public health sector, including Batho Pele principles, ethical practice, and patient advocacy.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with a basic R425 qualification, meaning a degree or diploma in nursing that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Current SANC registration for 2026 is required, as is a certificate of service from a current or previous employer that is endorsed and stamped by human resources. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, as well as the legal framework governing healthcare, including the Nursing Act, Mental Health Care Act, Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Patient Rights Charter, and relevant labour relations and grievance procedures. Strong communication, report writing, facilitation, coordination, problem-solving, supervisory, and computer literacy skills are essential, along with the ability to plan and organise work for support personnel. A special interest in psychiatric nursing and a genuine concern for patient well-being are important attributes.

The duties are broad and include directing and supervising the implementation of the nursing plan, ensuring quality patient care, and practising within the professional scope of practice. The nurse will implement standards and indicators for quality nursing, maintain accurate patient records, and provide statistical information for data management. Other responsibilities include assisting the unit manager with overall unit functioning, working cooperatively within a multi-disciplinary team, participating in health promotion and outreach programmes, and promoting ethics and professionalism. The role also involves supervising other categories of nursing staff, managing performance planning and evaluation, and exercising control over discipline, grievance, and labour relations issues. Participation in Continuous Professional Development is required, and candidates must be prepared to work shifts, including night duty, weekends, and public holidays.

Applicants should note that only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents and proof of experience and registration before the interview. All shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, as well as pre-employment screening and criminal record verification. Certified copies must not be older than three months, and faxed applications will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications, correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates, and no S&T or resettlement claims will be paid for interview attendance. The hospital offers additional benefits such as a 13th cheque, home owner allowance under certain conditions, medical aid options, danger allowance, and a rural allowance. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional nurse seeking to specialise in psychiatric care within a supportive public health environment.