Operational Manager Specialty Day Ward, Theatre & CSSD REF NO: DPKISMH 08/2026 at KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health

REQUIREMENTS :

• Senior Certificate or equivalent.
• Degree / Diploma in nursing or equivalent qualification that allows registration with South African Nursing.
• Post Basic qualification in Operating Theatre with at least One (01) year registration with SANC.
• Registration certificate with South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a General Nursing.
• Current registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse (2026 receipt).
• A minimum of nine (9) years appropriate/recognisable experience after registration as a Professional Nurse with SANC in General Nursing.
• At least five (5) years of the period referred to above must be appropriate/recognisable experience in Operating Theatre nursing unit after obtaining a one year post basic qualification in Operating Theatre Nursing Science.
• Proof of Current and Previous working experience endorsed by HR department will be required for shortlisted candidates.
• Successful candidate will have to spend minimum of one year in service.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Competence Required:

• Knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of nursing statutes, and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Operational management, co – ordination, networking liaison skills.
• Good verbal and written communication and report writing skills.
• Decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Conflict management and negotiation skills.
• Staff management and financial management skills.
• Project management skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of Batho Pele Principles and Patients Right Charter.
• Ability to plan and organize own work.
• Computer Literacy & Diploma in Nursing Administration.
• Provide comprehensive, quality nursing care to patients/clients in a speciality unit in a cost – effective and efficient manner.

DUTIES :

• Assist in planning, organizing and monitoring of objectives of the specialised unit.
• Manage all resources within the unit effectively and efficiently to ensure optimum service delivery.
• Able to plan and organize own work and that of support personnel to ensure proper nursing care.
• Display a concern for patients, promoting and advocating proper treatment and care including awareness and willingness to respond to patient’s needs, requirements and expectations (Batho Pele).
• Work as part of multidisciplinary team to ensure good nursing care.
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, supervisors and other clinicians including report writing when required.
• Ensure compliance with all National, Provincial and Professional prescripts in order to render a safe patient service and improve client satisfaction.
• Participate in the analysis and formulation of nursing policies and procedures.
• Assist in the EPMDS evaluation of staff within the unit and participate in monitoring the training needs of staff.
• Provide direct and indirect supervision of all staff within the unit and provide guidance.
• Exercise control over discipline, grievance and labour relations issues.
• Order the appropriate level of consumables and monitor utilisation.
• Ensure that equipment in the unit is adequate, checked and functional.
• Provide for a safe, therapeutic and hygienic environment.
• Work effectively and amicable, at supervisory level, with person of diverse intellectual, cultural, racial or religious differences.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Human Resources and Financial Management policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the care and management of all patients and ensure the maintenance of accurate and complete patient records.
• Participate in quality improvement and clinical audits.
• Accountable for the safe, efficient and compliant operational management of Day Ward, Operating Theatre and Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD, ensuring quality patient care, infection prevention, equipment and instrument availability, staff performance, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Coordination of the Ideal Hospital Framework requirement and the project with the department.