About the Role
The Umzimkhulu Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Professional Nurse Grade 1 in the specialty stream to join its exceptional team. Located in the vibrant town of Umzimkhulu, this role is pivotal in delivering specialized nursing care to patients with psychiatric needs, ensuring that the highest standards of care are met. As a nursing professional in this government job, you will play a crucial role in the community, advocating for patient rights and promoting recovery in a safe and therapeutic environment. Your commitment to holistic care will not only impact the lives of individuals but also enhance the well-being of the broader community in Umzimkhulu and beyond.
This position is integral to the public service, offering an opportunity to work within a supportive team that values compassion and professionalism. You will have the chance to implement patient-centered care programs, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and maintain the highest ethical and legal standards in nursing practice. Your expertise will ensure that patients receive the best possible care, fostering a culture of healing and respect within the hospital setting.
About the Department
The Department of Health is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of all South Africans through accessible and quality healthcare services. It is responsible for implementing health policies and programs that enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. Working in this department means being part of a mission that prioritizes public health and strives to build a healthier nation.
Joining the Department of Health means aligning with a team that values integrity, excellence, and community welfare. Your work will contribute to the larger goal of improving mental health services, making a significant difference in the lives of those you serve.
What You’ll Do
- Provide optimal, holistic specialized nursing care within the legal and professional framework.
- Implement and oversee psychiatric nursing programs, ensuring quality standards are met.
- Maintain accurate patient records in compliance with legal requirements.
- Supervise nursing staff and ensure effective utilization of resources.
- Participate in continuous professional development and implement evidence-based practices.
- Advocate for patient needs and create a safe therapeutic environment.
- Collaborate with the unit manager in the overall management of the nursing unit.
What You’ll Need
- Senior Certificate / Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
- Degree/Diploma in General Nursing or equivalent, allowing 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 of relevant nursing experience after registration with SANC.
- Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (2026 SANC receipt).
- Strong knowledge of nursing care processes, relevant legal frameworks, and patient rights.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and supervisory skills.
How to Apply
Applications to be forwarded to the Human Resource Manager, Umzimkhulu Hospital, Private Bag X514, Umzimkhulu, 3297 OR Drop off in the application Box, Umzimkhulu Hospital, 3297.
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.
Job 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 135 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.
