Staff Nurse Grade 1 to 3 (Permanent position)

This permanent Staff Nurse position is based at Citrusdal Hospital in the Cederberg Sub-district of the West Coast District, offering an opportunity for qualified nursing professionals to join a multidisciplinary team within a public health facility. The role is structured across three grades, allowing candidates with varying levels of experience to apply, from newly registered staff nurses to those with extensive service. As a Staff Nurse, the incumbent will be responsible for the development and implementation of basic patient care for all patients, ensuring that clinical nursing care is delivered safely and in line with departmental protocols. The position also requires effective utilisation of both physical and financial resources, meaning the nurse must work efficiently within the available means of the hospital while maintaining high standards of care.

The key duties include providing basic clinical nursing care, which involves direct patient assessment, treatment and monitoring, as well as supporting patients and their families. The role further demands a commitment to professional growth and ethical standards, with an expectation that the nurse will take responsibility for self-development and remain current with nursing best practices. Working effectively within a multidisciplinary team is essential, as patient care in this hospital setting relies on collaboration between nurses, doctors and allied health professionals. The ability to function independently and make sound decisions is also highlighted, along with good communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with patients, colleagues and stakeholders. Basic computer literacy in MS Word and Outlook is required, as is a working knowledge of the relevant nursing legislation, policies and protocols of the Department of Health in the Western Cape.

In terms of qualifications, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Staff Nurse. Registration with the SANC is an inherent requirement of the job. Experience requirements vary by grade: Grade 1 requires no prior nursing experience, while Grade 2 requires a minimum of ten years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Staff Nurse. Grade 3 requires a minimum of twenty years of such experience. Candidates who do not yet possess the stipulated registration may also apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration to the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees on or before the day of the interview. This concession applies only to health professionals applying for the first time for registration in a specific category, including those who need to change their registration status.

The position involves shift work, including night duty, weekends and public holidays, and the successful candidate must be willing to rotate between wards within the hospital. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a practical test as part of the selection process. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. The role offers an annual salary plus service benefits such as a thirteenth cheque, employer contributions to a pension fund, and housing and medical aid allowances, with the specific remuneration package depending on the grade at which the candidate is appointed. This is a permanent employment opportunity within the Western Cape Department of Health, ideal for dedicated nurses seeking a stable career in a community hospital environment.