Professional Nurse Grade 1 to 2 (Specialty: 72-hour assessment and observation unit) (Permanent position)

This permanent position is for a Professional Nurse Grade 1 to 2 specialising in the 72-hour assessment and observation unit at Karl Bremer Hospital, which falls under the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services in the Western Cape. The unit provides short-term assessment and observation for patients, and the role requires a specialty in psychiatric or mental health nursing, as reflected in the required post-basic qualifications. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering specialised nursing care in a fast-paced environment where patients are assessed and managed over a 72-hour period. A willingness to work shifts, including weekends, public holidays and night duty, is an inherent requirement of the job, as the unit operates continuously.

To be considered for this post, applicants must hold a basic R425 diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification such as R683 plus R880, that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, candidates need either a one-year post-basic qualification in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science accredited with the SANC under R212, or a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174) or equivalent (R171 plus R1497) together with a post-graduate diploma in Mental Health Nursing accredited under R635. Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse is essential. There is a concession for candidates who do not yet have the specialty registration: they may apply if they are applying for the first time for registration in the relevant post-basic or post-graduate qualification, provided they submit proof of application and payment of the prescribed fees on or before the day of the interview.

Experience requirements vary by grade. For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years of appropriate nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse in General Nursing is required. For Grade 2, candidates need at least fourteen years of appropriate experience, of which at least ten years must be in the relevant specialty after obtaining the post-basic qualification or post-graduate diploma. This allows experienced psychiatric nurses to be appointed at a higher notch within the same role.

The core duties include providing optimal, holistic and specialised nursing care within professional and legal frameworks, using resources effectively, participating in training and research, supporting nursing services, and maintaining professional growth and ethical standards. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of nursing care processes, legislation, policies and protocols, strong verbal and written communication skills, basic computer literacy, facilitation skills, and the ability to plan and coordinate nursing functions. Problem-solving, decision-making and the capacity to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team are also important.

This is an OSD-graded post, meaning remuneration is determined according to the Occupational Specific Dispensation for nursing, and includes service benefits such as a 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, and housing and medical aid allowances. The position is based at Karl Bremer Hospital and is advertised through the Western Cape Department of Health circular. Interested nurses with the relevant psychiatric nursing background are encouraged to apply, keeping in mind the shift-work requirement and the need to meet the registration and experience criteria.