Professional Nurse Specialty Grade 1/2 at KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health

REQUIREMENTS :

• Matric/Grade 12 Certificate. Degree / Diploma qualification that allows registration to General Nursing & Midwifery plus a relevant post basic qualification (Diploma in Advanced Midwifery & Neonatal Nursing Science). Registration certificate with South African Nursing Council (SANC). Current SANC receipt (2026).
• Experience required: Grade 1 is a minimum of 4 years’ experience in Nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse. Grade 2 is a minimum of 14 years’ experience in nursing after registration as Professional Nurse with SANC in General Nursing at least 10 years of the period referred to above must be appropriate/recognizable experience in the specific specialty after obtaining the 1 year post basic qualification in the relevant specialty.
• Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Required: Knowledge of South African Nursing Act (Act 33 of 2005) and SANC regulation. Knowledge of Public Service Acts, regulations and policies. National Health Act. Knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, nursing statutes and other relevant legal frameworks. Knowledge of Maternity care guidelines (latest South African guidelines). Knowledge of guidelines for saving mothers and saving babies. Knowledge of essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies (ESMOE). Knowledge of essential care of the new-born (ECN). Knowledge of basic Ante Natal Care (BANC Plus) and MBFHI. Management of obstetric emergencies (PPH, eclampsia, shoulder dystocia, cord prolapse etc). Maternal and Perinatal death surveillance and response. Knowledge of Ideal hospital framework, quality assurance and clinical governance. Leadership and supervision, good communication, verbal, written, leadership, interpersonal, problem solving, conflict management and decision-making skills. Health information systems and recordkeeping, data analysis and use of health indicators. Knowledge and experience in implementation of Batho Pele Principles and Patient’s Rights Charter, Code of Conduct. Team building and diversity Management skills. 

DUTIES :

• Provide comprehensive specialist midwifery care to antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal, and neonatal patients according to national and provincial guidelines. Provision of quality services through setting standards, policies and procedures. Reduction of maternal and child mortality and morbidity rate. Initiate and lead all obstetric programs i.e. PPP, PMTCT, CARMA MBFHI, ESMOE, etc. Manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies, initiating appropriate treatment and timely referral where necessary. Implement maternal and perinatal quality improvement programmes, including maternal death reviews, perinatal mortality meetings, and clinical audits. Participate in the implementation of National Priorities clinical guidelines, protocols. Supervise, mentor, and support nursing staff, student nurses, and community service nurses in the maternity unit.
• Exercise control over discipline, grievance and labour relations issues. Assist in development of all nursing staff. Ensure infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and maintain patient safety standards. Maintain accurate patient records, statistics, and reports in accordance with Department of Health policies. Promote maternal, new-born, and family health education, including breastfeeding support and family planning. Provide a Safe, therapeutic and hygienic environment for patients, visitors and staff. Ensure availability and proper management of medicines, equipment, and supplies within the maternity unit. Participate in continuous professional development (CPD), research, and implementation of evidence-based practice. Comply with legal, ethical, and professional standards, including the Nursing Act, National Health Act, Batho Pele Principles, Patients' Rights Charter, and other relevant policies.