PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1 SPECIALTY STREAM (X1 POST)

This position is for a Professional Nurse Grade 1 in the Specialty Stream, based at Umzimkhulu Psychiatric Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will join a dedicated mental health facility and work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver specialised psychiatric nursing care. The role is an OSD-graded post and carries additional benefits such as a 13th cheque, home owner’s allowance under certain conditions, optional medical aid, danger allowance, and a rural allowance. The hospital is situated in a rural setting, and the role requires a commitment to providing compassionate, ethical and legally sound nursing care to patients with mental health conditions.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with a degree or diploma in General Nursing that allows registration as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council. A one-year post-basic qualification in Psychiatric Nursing Science is essential, as is a minimum of four years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration in General Nursing. Candidates must also be registered with SANC for the current year and provide a certificate of service from their previous or current employer, endorsed and stamped by human resources. The role demands a thorough knowledge of nursing care processes and statutes, including the Nursing Act, Mental Health Care Act, Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Patient Rights Charter, Batho Pele Principles, Public Service Regulations, and labour relations frameworks. Strong communication, report writing, facilitation, coordination, decision-making, problem-solving, supervisory, planning, organising, team building, conflict management, and computer literacy skills are all required.

The core duties involve executing nursing functions within the prescripts of applicable legislation and providing optimal, holistic, specialised nursing care. The nurse will ensure that all psychiatric nursing programmes are implemented and that care is delivered according to professional scope of practice and facility standards. This includes directing and supervising the implementation of nursing plans, maintaining accurate patient records, advocating for patient needs, and participating in the formulation and monitoring of policies, objectives, and quality improvement programmes. The role also involves managing and supervising the effective use of human, financial and material resources, exercising control over discipline, grievance and labour relations issues, and assisting with performance reviews such as the EPMDS and student progress reports. Ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, staff and the public is critical, along with implementing infection prevention and control standards, managing medical and legal risks, and providing accurate statistical information for data management. The nurse will also participate in continuous professional development, research, and evidence-based practice, and assist the unit manager with the overall management and support needed for the effective functioning of the unit.

This is a demanding but rewarding role for a nurse with a genuine interest in psychiatric nursing and a commitment to patient advocacy. The department places strong emphasis on ethical conduct and suitability, and all shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Pre-employment screening and verification, including criminal record checks, will also be undertaken. Applicants should note that only the Z83 application form and curriculum vitae are required at the initial stage, with certified documents requested only for shortlisted candidates. The hospital is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals who meet the requirements.