PROFESSIONAL NURSE GRADE 1 TO 2 (SPECIALTY: THEATRE) (X2 POSTS)

This vacancy is for two Professional Nurse posts at Worcester Regional Hospital, within the Rural Health Services directorate. The successful candidates will work in the theatre specialty, providing specialised perioperative nursing care as part of the multi-disciplinary team. The role is a Grade 1 to Grade 2 appointment, meaning applicants may be appointed at either level depending on their years of appropriate nursing experience and specialist qualifications. The post demands a sound understanding of the legal and ethical framework governing nursing practice, as well as the ability to work shifts, including night duty, weekends, public holidays and overtime. Staff appointed to these positions should expect to rotate within the functional business unit of theatre.

Applicants need a basic R425 diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification such as R683, allowing registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, they must hold a post-basic qualification of at least one year, accredited by the SANC, in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Operating Theatre Nursing (R212), or alternatively a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree (R174) or equivalent with a post-graduate diploma in Perioperative Nursing (R635). Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse is essential. For appointment at Grade 1, at least four years of appropriate nursing experience after registration in General Nursing is required. For Grade 2, the requirement is a minimum of fourteen years of appropriate nursing experience, of which at least ten years must be in the operating theatre specialty after obtaining the relevant post-basic qualification.

The main duties include providing optimal, holistic and specialised nursing care within a professional, ethical and legal framework. The incumbents will be expected to use all resources effectively, support nursing services in maintaining quality and productivity, and contribute to the professional growth and development of the unit. They will also participate in training, mentoring and research activities, and work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team.

There are some special conditions worth noting. No payment is required when applying for this post. Candidates who do not yet possess the stipulated registration requirements may also apply, but they will only be considered for appointment if they submit proof of application for registration with the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees on or before the day of the interview. This concession applies only to candidates applying for the first time for registration in the post-basic qualification or post-graduate diploma in the relevant specialty. This is a valuable opportunity for experienced theatre nurses to join a rural hospital team and make a meaningful contribution to surgical services in the Western Cape.