PROFESSIONAL NURSE SPECIALTY (OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY) (X1 POST)

This position is for a Professional Nurse Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, based at Umphumulo Hospital, and represents an opportunity for an experienced midwife to take on a senior clinical role within a government health setting. The post is structured at either Grade 1 or Grade 2 level, depending on the candidate’s years of appropriate experience, making it accessible to both established professionals and those with extensive service in maternity care. As a specialty nurse, the incumbent will function within the broader nursing unit, working alongside medical officers, fellow professional nurses, and junior colleagues, while carrying significant responsibility for obstetric and gynaecological patient outcomes.

To be considered, candidates must hold a Diploma or Degree in General Nursing and Midwifery, be registered with the South African Nursing Council as both a Professional Nurse and a midwife, and possess a post-basic qualification in Advanced Midwifery that is accredited by the SANC. The requirements are differentiated by grade: the lower grade demands a minimum of four years of appropriate experience as a Professional Nurse in general nursing, while the higher grade requires at least fourteen years of appropriate experience, of which ten years must be in maternity following the Advanced Midwifery qualification. Shortlisted applicants will need to provide a current SANC council receipt for 2026, HR-endorsed proof of current and previous experience, and, where applicable, a SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications. The role further calls for a thorough understanding of nursing legislation, the ability to practise within the scope of nursing standards, sound communication and interpersonal skills, decision-making and problem-solving abilities, knowledge of labour relations and the Code of Conduct, and basic computer literacy.

The core duties centre on leading and delivering specialised obstetric and gynaecological care. The nurse will diagnose and manage obstetric emergencies such as eclampsia and antepartum haemorrhage in the absence of a Medical Officer, identify high-risk clients during the antepartum and postpartum periods, and either manage or refer them according to hospital policy. The role also involves developing, implementing, and reviewing obstetric policies and procedures, establishing quality improvement programmes, and conducting perinatal mortality reviews. The incumbent is expected to implement the Employee Performance Management and Development System, identify staff training needs, and provide in-service education for obstetric staff. Participation in key programmes including PPIP, PMTCT, BBI, BFI, and reproductive health services is central to the post. Other responsibilities include effective communication and report writing, supervising staff, practising participative management by relieving the supervisor as needed, maintaining accurate patient records, and ensuring the proper use of resources and care of government property.

This department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Non-RSA citizens, permanent residents, or work permit holders must submit documentary proof if shortlisted. All appointments are subject to positive outcomes from security clearance, credit record, qualification, citizenship, and experience verification checks. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical exercise and one integrity assessment, which will be scored as part of the interview process. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z.83 form with a comprehensive CV, and no supporting documents are required at the initial stage, though certified copies will be demanded from shortlisted candidates. Applicants who do not receive any notification within three months of the closing date should assume that their applications were unsuccessful, and no subsistence and transport claims will be paid due to financial constraints.