PROFESSIONAL NURSE SPECIALTY OPERATING THEATRE (GRADE 1- 2) (X2 POSTS)

This position is for a Professional Nurse Specialty in Operating Theatre, offering two posts at Newcastle Regional Hospital within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The role is graded at Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications, and it forms part of the hospital’s specialist surgical nursing team. As a specialty nurse, the incumbent will be responsible for delivering comprehensive, high-quality peri-operative care to patients, ensuring that all nursing interventions are carried out within the professional and legal frameworks set by the South African Nursing Council and the Department of Health. The role demands a strong commitment to Batho Pele principles, placing patients at the centre of care and advocating for their rights, dignity, and timely treatment.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, as well as a Diploma or Degree in General Nursing. Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a General Nurse and Midwife is essential. For appointment at Grade 1, a minimum of four years of appropriate nursing experience after registration is required, along with a post-basic qualification in Operating Theatre Technique. For Grade 2, candidates need at least four years of general nursing experience, of which at least ten years must be in the specific specialty after obtaining the one-year post-basic qualification in Operating Theatre Technique. The ideal candidate will possess a broad range of competencies, including knowledge of nursing care processes, relevant statutes and legal frameworks, strong communication and report-writing skills, coordination and liaison abilities, decision-making and problem-solving capacity, conflict management, and negotiation skills. The ability to prioritise work, meet timeframes, understand public sector challenges, and demonstrate empathy and counselling skills is also required. Financial management and budgeting knowledge, team building and supervisory skills, and the capacity to work under pressure in a stressful environment are essential, as is an innovative approach and interest in research.

The duties are extensive and centre on providing safe, therapeutic, and hygienic care in the operating theatre environment. The nurse will be expected to demonstrate effective communication with patients, relatives, supervisors, and other clinicians, and to participate actively in decision-making about healthcare delivery. Maintaining accurate and complete nursing records is critical, as is participating in the analysis, review, formulation, and implementation of policies and procedures. The role includes completing patient-related data, partaking in research, and promoting quality specialised nursing care according to the scope of practice. The nurse will act as a team leader in the absence of the unit manager, take charge of the unit during the operational manager’s absence, and participate in overall unit functions such as team building and unit-specific audits. Effective and efficient management of all resources is expected, along with rotation to provide optimum care according to service delivery needs. The nurse must be prepared to nurse all types of patients regardless of diagnosis, provide emergency care for life-threatening situations, and oversee CSSD and pack room sterility functions. Additional responsibilities include conducting clinical audits, compiling summary reports, ensuring accurate and timely statistics, maintaining client satisfaction through service innovation, and participating in priority programmes to reduce morbidity and mortality. The nurse must also maintain professional and ethical practice, supervise personnel on day and night duties, monitor and evaluate patient care, and ensure an enabling environment for ethical practice. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a dedicated professional who is dynamic, flexible, and able to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. The department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and aims to promote representivity across all occupational categories.