Assistant Nursing Manager (Specialty Stream) at KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health

REQUIREMENTS :

• Minimum Appointment and Experience requirements: Basic R425 qualification (i.e. Diploma/ Degree in General Nursing and Midwifery) that allows registration with the ‘South African Nursing Council’ (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. A post-basic qualification in Operating Theatre Nursing Science with a duration of at least 1 year, accredited with SANC.
• Certificates of Registration with the SANC (General Nursing and Midwifery). Current registration with the SANC (2026). Diploma / Degree in Nursing Administration will be an added advantage. Computer Literacy will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years appropriate/recognizable experience in nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse with SANC in General Nursing. At least 6 years of the above experience must be appropriate/recognizable experience in Operating Theatre services after obtaining the relevant post-basic qualification. At least 3 years of the period referred to above must be at a management level.

Knowledge, Skills Training and Competencies Required:

• In-depth knowledge of nursing care processes, nursing statutes and relevant legal frameworks, including the Nursing Act, National Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Patients' Rights Charter, Batho Pele Principles, Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act, Disciplinary Code and Grievance Procedures.
• Sound knowledge of perioperative nursing care, Operating Theatre policies, infection prevention and control, clinical governance, quality assurance and patient safety standards. Knowledge of surgical safety, aseptic techniques, sterilisation and prevention of surgical site infections.
• Leadership, organisational, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Interpersonal, communication, negotiation, conflict management and counselling skills. Financial, human resource and material resource management skills.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office applications. Ability to coordinate, supervise and monitor nursing services within the Operating Theatre. Ability to effectively manage theatre utilisation, staff allocation, surgical lists, equipment, instruments and consumables. 

DUTIES :

• Provide leadership and strategic direction in the Operating Theatre Nursing Component and ensure effective, efficient and quality patient care. Plan, coordinate, delegate, supervise and monitor the provision of safe perioperative nursing care in accordance with professional and legal standards.
• Ensure compliance with OHSC, Ideal Hospital Realisation and Maintenance Framework (IHRM), infection prevention and control, clinical governance and patient safety standards. Manage the effective utilisation of human, financial and non-financial resources within the Operating Theatre.
• Coordinate theatre services, including theatre lists, staff allocation, patient flow, equipment, instruments, medicines and consumables. Ensure effective infection prevention and control, including aseptic technique, sterilisation and prevention of surgical site infections. Manage staff performance, development, discipline, grievances and continuous professional development.
• Participate in quality assurance, clinical audits, risk management and implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Monitor and evaluate patient care and theatre service delivery and ensure compliance with relevant targets and standards.
• Promote teamwork, effective communication, patient-centred care and multidisciplinary collaboration. Contribute to strategic planning, budget management, audit preparedness and implementation of hospital and Department of Health priorities.