PROFESSIONAL NURSE (PNA2) (X1 POST)

An opportunity exists for a Professional Nurse (PNA2) at Katleho District Hospital, a facility within the Free State public health services. This is an OSD-graded nursing position, and the successful candidate will be appointed at a grade determined by their years of relevant post-registration experience. The role calls for a dedicated, ethical and patient-centred nurse who can function effectively under pressure while maintaining the highest professional standards. The department is committed to improving health outcomes in the community, and the postholder will be expected to support this through comprehensive, quality nursing care.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate plus a Basic R425 qualification - either a diploma or degree in nursing - or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Registered Nurse in General Nursing. Alternatively, a four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174) that enables SANC registration as a Professional Nurse is acceptable. For appointment at Grade 1, no post-registration experience is needed. Grade 2 requires a minimum of ten years' experience after SANC registration, while Grade 3 requires at least twenty years. In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, strong written and verbal communication, good interpersonal relations, professionalism, confidentiality, and basic computer literacy.

The core responsibilities are broad and clinically demanding. The nurse will need to show a thorough understanding of nursing legislation and the legal and ethical framework governing practice. They will implement comprehensive nursing care plans and programmes aimed at health promotion, treatment, rehabilitation and self-care. Maintaining and improving the quality of nursing and health care is central, including applying standards, practices and quality indicators. The role also involves active engagement in the education and training of students within the health system, protecting and advocating for patients' rights, and adhering to all relevant laws and regulations. The postholder will implement patient care standards, policies and procedures, and build constructive working relationships with nursing colleagues and other stakeholders. They must also disseminate information on epidemics, nutritional disorders, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and other common diseases, while communicating effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, organisations and special interest groups on community health issues. Efficient and effective use of human, material and physical resources is another key requirement.

Interested applicants should note that the department aims to promote representativity, and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, particularly people with disabilities, women and youth. The application process requires a comprehensive, detailed CV with a complete chronological record of training, experience, competencies and previous employment, as well as the names and telephone numbers of three referees. Do not submit copies of qualifications at application stage; only shortlisted candidates need to provide certified documents. Shortlisted applicants will undergo personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, financial records and qualifications, and may be asked for consent to access social media accounts. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and non-RSA residents will need to provide proof if shortlisted. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and if no appointment notification is received within four months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. New public service appointees are required to join the Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS) to qualify for a medical subsidy. Candidates who took voluntary severance packages may not apply, and the department reserves the right not to fill the post.