Professional Nurse Grade 1 to 2 (Specialty: Trauma and Emergency) (2 posts) (Permanent position)

This is a permanent Professional Nurse Grade 1 to Grade 2 vacancy specialising in trauma and emergency nursing, with two posts available at Riversdale Hospital in the Garden Route District. The successful candidates will join a health facility that operates within the broader Ecosystem Service platform, meaning that although the posts are based at Riversdale Hospital, incumbents may be required to render clinical services across other institutions in the ecosystem as needed to sustain health service delivery. This role is suited to experienced registered nurses who have a deep commitment to emergency care, who can work under pressure in a trauma setting, and who are willing to provide round-the-clock coverage including shifts, Sundays, public holidays, nights and overtime.

Applicants must hold a basic R425 qualification, either a diploma or degree in nursing, or an equivalent qualification such as R683 plus R254, which allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. In addition, candidates need a post-basic nursing qualification of at least one year, accredited by the SANC, in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science: Critical Care Nursing (General) or Critical Care Nursing: Trauma and Emergency. Alternatively, a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174) or equivalent, combined with a post-graduate diploma in Emergency Nursing (R635), is also acceptable. Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse is required. The post is graded for two experience levels: Grade 1 requires a minimum of four years of appropriate nursing experience after registration with the SANC in General Nursing, while Grade 2 requires at least fourteen years of appropriate experience, of which ten years must have been gained after obtaining the relevant post-basic qualification or post-graduate diploma in the specialty.

The role demands demonstrated knowledge of nursing legislation, legal and ethical practices, and their impact on service delivery. Competencies should include strong interpersonal, leadership, organisational, decision-making and conflict-resolution skills. Familiarity with the South African Triage Scale (SATS) and emergency nursing practice is essential, along with good verbal and written communication and computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Key duties include providing holistic, specialised nursing care to patients cost-effectively; implementing infection-control policies and health-and-safety legislation; managing human and material resources efficiently; maintaining constructive working relationships with nursing colleagues and other stakeholders; participating in training, development and research within the department; and providing support to nursing services overall.

Importantly, no payment of any kind is required when applying. Candidates will undergo a written, practical and oral assessment. Those who do not yet hold the required post-basic qualification may be appointed into the general nursing stream, on condition they obtain the necessary qualification within a predetermined period. Similarly, applicants lacking the stipulated registration may apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration with the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees on or before the interview day. This concession applies only to first-time applicants for registration in the relevant post-basic qualification or post-graduate diploma. The position carries a rural allowance and the usual government service benefits. This is an excellent opportunity for dedicated emergency nurses to contribute to a dynamic healthcare ecosystem in the Garden Route.