Professional Nurse Grade 1 Specialty Stream REF NO: UMZ04/2026 at KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health

REQUIREMENTS :

• Senior Certificate / Grade 12 or equivalent qualification. Degree / Diploma in General Nursing or equivalent qualification that allows for registration as a Professional Nurse. Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. One (1) year Post Basic qualification in Psychiatric Nursing Science.
• A minimum of 4 years appropriate/recognizable experience in nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse with SANC in General Nursing. Current registration with South African Nursing Council (2026 SANC receipt). Certificate of service from previous/current employer endorsed and stamped by HR.
• Knowledge, Skills, Training And Competencies Required: Knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, nursing statutes, and other relevant legal framework such as: Nursing Act, SANC rules and regulations, Mental Health Care Act, Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Patient Right Charter, Batho Pele Principles, Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act, Disciplinary Code and Procedure, Grievance Procedure. Demonstrate effective communication with patients, supervisors and other clinicians, including report writing when required.
• Knowledge of nursing care delivery approaches and special interest in Psychiatric Nursing. 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. Plan and organize own work and that of support personnel to ensure proper nursing care.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, medical waste and risk assessment. Good communication skills, report writing skills, facilitation skills, coordination skills, decision-making, problem solving skills, supervisory skills, planning and organizing, team building, conflict management skills, Information and Data Management and Computer Literacy. 

DUTIES :

• Execute duties and functions with proficiency within the prescripts of applicable legislation. Provision of optimal, holistic specialized nursing care with set standards and within a professional/legal framework. Ensure that all programs related to psychiatric nursing are implemented.
• Promote quality of nursing care as directed by the professional scope of practice and standards as determined by the relevant health facility. Provide direction and supervision for the implementation of nursing plan (clinical practice/ quality patient care). Maintain clinical competence by ensuring that scientific principles of nursing are implemented.
• Ensure and advocate for provision and supervision of patient’s needs. Maintain accurate and complete patient records according to legal requirements. Participate in the analysis, formulation and monitoring of objectives, policies and procedures including quality improvement programmes and clinical audits to ensure good practices.
• Manage and supervise effective utilization of all resources e.g. Human, Financial and material resources. Exercise control over discipline, grievance and labour relations issues. Assist with performance reviews i.e. EPMDS as well as student progress reports. Ensure the provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, staff and public through implementation of Occupational Health and Safety Act and prevention of medical/legal risks.
• Ensure infection prevention and control (IPC) standards and maintain patient safety. Ensure the provision of accurate statistical information for data management. Participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), research, and implementation of evidence-based practices. Assist the unit manager with overall management and necessary support for the effective functioning of the unit.