Clinical Nurse - St Augustine’s Hospital at Netcare

Role summary

Please quote the following reference number in the subject line of your email: RNSW4 27/11/2023

• The Clinical Nurse is a professional who remains responsible for the assessment, planning and implementation of individualised and holistic nursing care of a patient, their families or the community, either performed directly or indirectly.
• The incumbent ultimately coordinates patient care within the concept of the multi-disciplinary health team.
• The incumbent also fulfils the role by the use of scientifically based nursing theories and processes, treating the patients as a physical, social and spiritual individual, and by use of educational and technical means applicable to health care practice.

Key work output and accountabilities

• Serve as a clinical resource in assisting personnel to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care in the unit.
• Ensure communication and interaction with family and health professionals regarding optimal patient care, thereby acting as a patient advocate when necessary.
• Ensure communication between nursing management and unit to eliminate patient care problems / issues.
• Assess, plan and implement advanced nursing care in a specialized field in accordance with standard nursing care procedures, as set out in the standards and procedures of MPH, as well as nursing care theory and medical direction.
• Initiate, direct and maintain emergency treatment (RESUS) as indicated to any patient / person in any ward / department of the hospital. To diagnose and treat the emergency patient quickly, effectively and efficiently as possible within the Scope of Practice.
• Interview patient and family to obtain general background information and problem identification; evaluate patient’s behaviour and assess immediate and long term needs.
• Participate as a professional member of the multi-disciplinary team in evaluating, developing and implementing health care plans and treatment regime.
• Do rounds with the physician to review condition of patients; develop nursing care plans; participate in the care of all patients in the unit.
• Evaluate patients care needs; initiate individualised nursing care plans; co-ordinate patient services.
• Prepare day / night shift documentation that reflects patient status, patient / staff ratio and problems.

Skills profile
Education

• Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 Qualification.
• Registered as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council or equivalent NQF level 7 qualification.

Work experience

• Experience in the relevant field of nursing advantage.
• Flexible in working hours / shift work.
• The ability to communicate well at all levels.
• Communicate with the unit manager, so that he / she is informed of activities and problems.
• Perform any related tasks as requested.
• Provide input and standards in formulating patient care policy and procedures in the hospital.
• To ensure the provision of a safe, clean and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors.
• Aim as member of staff to optimise and maintain quality, effective and safe nursing care, within the frame of the assigned budget.
• Evaluate, set standards and monitor safe utilization of supplies and equipment.
• Actively participate as a member of a team to achieve goals
• Co-operate and collaborate with other hospital departments to provide appropriate support services.
• Co-ordinate with the Clinical Facilitation Department and other members of the multi-disciplinary team to meet and acknowledge the on-going educational needs of the nursing staff / student as well as the patients.
• Co-operate with the Clinical Facilitators in planning, implementing and evaluation of learning experiences / opportunities for nursing staff / students.
• Provide for the ongoing review, practice and in-service training of emergency procedures.
• Actively participate in in-service training and orientation of new staff in the unit.
• Advise and inform staff on current and revised policies and procedures.
• Allocate staff members in a manner that promotes optimal use of staff to provide appropriate nursing care for the individual patient regarding his / her needs and specialised skills needed by the nursing staff member.
• Adjust staff levels to provide for acuity level needs.
• Active involvement in own professional development to maintain a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge.
• Keep up to date with Netcare’s evolving policies and procedures.
• Work effectively and co-operatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
• Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish work goal.
• Maintain and encourage effective communication and interaction within the unit, other members of the multi-disciplinary team and the public.
• Foster good interpersonal relations and public relations while interpreting / applying the philosophy, goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• The ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions.
• The ability to develop using collaborative relationships to help accomplish work goals.
• The ability to actively participate as a member of a team to achieve goals.
• The ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities in order to take appropriate action.
• The ability to plan and organise work for self and others to ensure efficient completion.
• The ability to produce work of a high quality standard by accurately checking processes and tasks.
• The ability to maintain stable performance under pressure by handling stress in an acceptable manner.

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of general / specialized nursing theory and practice.
• Extensive knowledge of modern nursing care principles and practices in the highly specialised field of the intensive care nursing.