PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1 TO 2 (SPECIALTY NURSING: NEPHROLOGY)

This position is a specialist nursing post based at George Regional Hospital, working within the Rural Health Services directorate. The incumbent will be appointed as a Professional Nurse Grade 1 or Grade 2, depending on experience, and will focus specifically on nephrology nursing. This means providing comprehensive, holistic care to patients with renal conditions, including those requiring dialysis or other nephrology interventions. The role operates within a multidisciplinary hospital environment, and the nurse is expected to uphold the core values of the Western Cape Department of Health while delivering care that is both professional and compassionate. The post is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation, and the successful candidate must be prepared to work within a unit that provides continuous care.

Applicants must hold a basic nursing qualification, either a diploma or degree in nursing, that is recognised by the South African Nursing Council, or an equivalent qualification that allows registration as a Professional Nurse. In addition, candidates must have completed a post-basic qualification in nephrology or critical care nursing (adult) that is at least one year in duration and accredited by the SANC. Alternatively, a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by a postgraduate diploma in critical care nursing (adult) or nephrology, will also be accepted. Current annual registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse is required. For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years of appropriate nursing experience is needed. For Grade 2, candidates must have at least fourteen years of appropriate experience, of which ten years must have been gained after obtaining the relevant specialty qualification.

The role involves ensuring quality patient care, including identifying nursing care needs, planning and implementing care plans, and educating nursing personnel. The nurse will render and supervise specialised nursing care, support clinical staff with operational functions in the unit, and make efficient use of human, material, and physical resources. Maintaining and promoting professional growth and ethical standards, for both oneself and others, is also expected. Competencies required include good verbal and written communication skills, the ability to provide optimal holistic specialised nephrology nursing care within set standards, effective resource management, participation in professional development activities, accurate documentation and statistical data collection, and involvement in research and quality improvement initiatives. Inherent to the job is a willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays, to perform standby duties, and to rotate within the nephrology unit. Physical demands include lifting and turning patients, standing for long periods, and lifting heavy equipment.

Applicants should note that no payment of any kind is required when applying. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a practical assessment. Those who do not yet possess the required specialty qualification may be appointed into the general nurse stream, with a condition that they obtain the necessary qualification within a predetermined period. Similarly, candidates who do not yet meet the stipulated registration requirements may apply, provided they submit proof of their first-time application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees on or before the day of the interview. This concession applies only to first-time registration in the relevant specialty qualification. This vacancy is part of the broader provincial circular, and interested nurses with a background in renal care are encouraged to consider the opportunity.