Auxiliary Nurse - Pietermaritzburg at Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Job Description

• Dis-Chem Pharmacies require the services of Auxiliary Nurses  To provide basic nursing care and pre-consultation support to patients attending the Primary Health Clinic.
• Responsible for taking and recording vital signs, facilitating patient flow, obtaining and documenting consent, maintaining accurate patient records, and provide basic administration support Registered Nurse / Professional Nurse.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (or equivalent recognized qualification).
• Registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Auxiliary Nurse, where applicable
• Minimum of 1- 3 yrs experience in primary healthcare, outpatient or clinic environment will be
• Computer literate – MS Office

Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre-Consultation Patient Assessment

• Assist with the preparation of patients before consultation by performing basic assessments as delegated by the Registered Nurse•
• Receive patients in the pre-consultation area in a professional and respectful manner.
• Confirm patient identity using the approved patient identification process.
• Record reason for visiting or presenting complaint as per clinic procedure.

Take, document and report basic vital signs, including:

• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Temperature
• Respiratory rate
• Oxygen saturation, where applicable
• Weight
• Height
• Body Mass Index, where applicable
• Blood glucose, where delegated and according to protocol
• Identify abnormal vital signs and immediately report these to the Registered Nurse.
• Assist with basic screening according to clinic protocols.

Patient Administration

• To support accurate and efficient patient administration in the pre-consultation room.
• Ensure patient demographic details are verified.
• Ensure patient electronic health records are available and updated.
• Record all relevant pre-consultation information accurately.
• Ensure required documents are signed, completed and correctly.
• Capture information on the clinic system.
• Ensure accurate handover of patient information to the Registered Nurse or consulting practitioner.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Accurately record all vital signs and observations clearly.
• Ensure patient records are complete, legible, dated and signed where required.
• Document consent and patient interactions according to facility policy.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
• Comply with legal, ethical and facility record-keeping requirements.

Health and Safety

• Ensure a clean, safe and hygienic patient and clinical environment.
• Adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
• Perform hand hygiene according to protocol.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately.
• Clean and disinfect equipment between patients.
• Ensure equipment such as blood pressure machines, thermometers, glucometers and scales are clean and functional.
• Report faulty equipment to the Registered Nurse or Clinic Manager.
• Safely handle and dispose of clinical waste according to facility policy or established procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the pre-consultation room.
• Follow occupational health and safety requirements.

Communication and Teamwork

• The Auxiliary Nurse must work closely with the Registered Nurse, doctors, reception team and other healthcare workers.
• Communicate respectfully with patients, families and staff.
• Escalate clinical concerns promptly.
• Follow instructions from the Registered Nurse.
• Support efficient patient movement through the clinic.
• Always maintain professional behaviour.
• Participating in clinic meetings, training and quality improvement activities where required.

General

• The Auxiliary Nurse must function strictly within the scope of practice for an Auxiliary Nurse and within facility protocols.
• The Auxiliary Nurse may not:
• Work independently without supervision.
• Diagnose patients.
• Prescribe medication.
• Change treatment plans.
• Give clinical advice outside approved protocol.
• Perform procedures outside the delegated scope.
• Obtain consent for complex clinical procedures without Registered Nurse or practitioner involvement.

The Auxiliary Nurse must immediately escalate to the Registered Nurse if:

• Vital signs are abnormal.
• A patient appears acutely ill or unstable.
• A patient reports chest pain, shortness of breath, severe pain, fainting, confusion or severe bleeding.
• There is uncertainty regarding consent.
• A patient refuses care or withdraws consent.
• There is no clinical, ethical or safety concern.

Competencies:

Essential:

• English and 2nd language – Read, write and speak
• Good communication skills, listening
• Sound understanding of basic nursing principles, anatomy and physiology, patient care practices, infection prevention and control standards, patient safety protocols, confidentiality requirements, health promotion principles, and record-keeping requirements.
• Business acumen
• Cogntive skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Quality Orientation
• Self management skills
• Leadership skills
• technical skills
• Management skills
• Computer literate – MS Office 

Special conditions of employment:

• Registered with the South African Nursing Council
• Willing and able to work retail hours
• Physically fit and able to stand for a long period
• Clear credit and criminal records
• Based in a private Dis-Chem Clinic in store.
• Primarily assigned to the pre-consultation room.
• May be required to assist in other clinic areas within scope and under supervision.
• May require standing for extended periods.
• Must comply with shift schedules, clinic operating hours and facility policies.
• Must wear prescribed uniform and identification badge

Legal Requirements

• Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary and maintenance of current registration status.
• Practice within the Nursing Act, applicable healthcare legislation, and the prescribed scope of practice.
• Adherence to ethical standards, patient confidentiality requirements, and organisational policies and procedures.
• Compliance with all health, safety, quality assurance, and infection prevention regulations relevant to the healthcare environment.

Remuneration and benefits:

• Market-related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account

Closing Date 30 September 2026