PROFESSIONAL NURSE WITH PSYCHIATRY GRADE 1 -3 [MENTAL HEALTH] – [CONTRACT UP TO 31ST MARCH 2027]

This position is for a Professional Nurse specialising in psychiatry, employed on a contract basis within the Limpopo Department of Health’s mental health services. The contract runs until 31 March 2027, offering a fixed-term opportunity to contribute to psychiatric nursing care in a government health setting. The role is graded at Professional Nurse levels 1 to 3, with the specific grade determined by the candidate’s years of relevant nursing experience after registration with the South African Nursing Council. This is a clinical post that requires a commitment to providing comprehensive nursing care in a mental health facility, working as part of a multidisciplinary team and upholding the legal and ethical frameworks that govern nursing practice in South Africa.

Applicants must hold a Basic R425 qualification in nursing that includes psychiatry, either a diploma or degree, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Current registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse is essential. Experience requirements are structured according to grade: for Grade 1, less than three years of appropriate nursing experience after registration is required; for Grade 2, a minimum of ten years of appropriate or recognisable experience in general nursing after registration; and for Grade 3, a minimum of twenty years of such experience. Candidates must be South African citizens or permanent residents. A skills declaration form must be attached to the application, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their clinical competence and suitability for the mental health environment.

The core duties involve practising nursing and health care in strict accordance with the laws and regulations relevant to the profession. The successful candidate will provide nursing services on both day and night shifts, ensuring continuous care for patients. Maintaining constructive working relationships with all members of the healthcare team is a key responsibility, as is the efficient and effective utilisation of human, material and physical resources. The role also requires active stakeholder engagement, which may include liaising with patients, families and other health professionals. Additionally, there is an expectation of willingness to train junior nurses and nursing students who rotate through the facility, contributing to the development of the next generation of psychiatric nurses.

The inherent requirements of the job include a willingness and ability to work shifts and flexible hours, including night duty, weekends and public holidays. Candidates must also be willing to work extra hours on short notice and to perform overtime when the need arises. The person profile for this role highlights the need for sound knowledge of nursing care processes, procedures and legal frameworks, as well as good clinical skills. The ability to work under pressure and to apply stringent infection control principles is essential, given the demanding nature of psychiatric nursing. Strong communication skills are required, along with the application of the Batho Pele principles, which reflect the South African public service’s commitment to courteous and ethical service delivery. Computer literacy is also expected, as modern health care requires digital record-keeping and communication. This contract position offers a meaningful opportunity for experienced psychiatric nurses to serve in a public mental health setting while supporting the department’s service delivery goals.