PROFESSIONAL NURSE SPECIALTY (NEONATAL NURSING) (X1 POST)

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, based at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Professional Nurse Specialty in Neonatal Nursing. This single vacancy sits within the hospital’s nursing management structure and is central to the delivery of safe, high-quality care for newborns requiring specialised medical attention. The successful candidate will be expected to act as a clinical leader and coordinator, ensuring that all nursing care in the neonatal unit complies with the South African Nursing Council standards and the broader legal and policy frameworks governing public health.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Matric or Grade 12 certificate, a basic R425 qualification in nursing (a diploma or degree that allows registration as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council), and current SANC registration as a Professional Nurse. In addition, a post-basic qualification in the neonatal specialty, paediatric nursing, or critical care nursing is required, with a duration of at least one year and accredited by the SANC. For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years’ appropriate and recognisable nursing experience is needed after registration in General Nursing and Midwifery and after obtaining the postgraduate specialty qualification. This experience must demonstrate competence in a clinical setting, as well as familiarity with nursing statutes, the Nursing Act, the Health Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Patient Rights Charter, Batho Pele Principles, Public Service Regulations, the Labour Relations Act, disciplinary codes, and grievance procedures. The ideal candidate will have sound financial and budgetary knowledge, leadership capabilities, organisational ability, decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal, negotiating, conflict handling and counselling skills, and basic computer proficiency.

The main duties of this role are broad and include coordination of optimal, holistic, specialised nursing care within set standards and professional and legal frameworks. The Professional Nurse Specialty will be responsible for the effective utilisation and supervision of resources, including human resources, such as planning duty rosters for day and night shifts and providing input on leave allocations, and financial resources, with a focus on cost containment, accurate record keeping, adherence to tender and procurement policies, and monitoring of revenue generation according to UPFS protocols. The post holder will also order and monitor consumable stock levels according to norms, oversee support services like linen and cleaning in collaboration with housekeeping staff, and monitor telephone usage and records. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the provision of effective training and research, providing effective support to nursing services, and maintaining professional growth, ethical standards and self-development.

This post is graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation and the remuneration package includes standard benefits such as a 13th cheque, optional medical aid, and a housing allowance for employees who meet the prescribed requirements. Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity, affirmative employer whose aim is to promote representivity in all levels of all occupational categories, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity and ethical conduct assessment, as part of the selection process. The appointment is subject to a positive outcome from the relevant security checks, which include security clearance, credit records, verification of qualifications, citizenship and previous employment, as well as company intellectual property checks. The department reserves the right not to fill the post. All application requirements and submission directives must be strictly followed, and the reference number must be indicated on the prescribed application form; failure to comply may disqualify applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and candidates who have not been contacted within two months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful. For further details, the advertised contact person in the nursing management directorate may be approached.