Garden Route District
Salary: R571 161 per annum
Additional Benefit: 8% rural allowance calculated on annual basic salary
Centre: Oudtshoorn Hospital
Introduction to the Position
The Garden Route District is inviting applications for the position of Operational Manager Nursing (General) – Female Ward at Oudtshoorn Hospital. This senior nursing management role is designed for an experienced and highly skilled Professional Nurse who is capable of overseeing clinical operations, managing staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care within a hospital environment.
The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in the Female Ward, ensuring that nursing services are effectively planned, coordinated, and delivered in line with national healthcare standards, hospital policies, and professional nursing regulations. This position requires strong leadership abilities, clinical expertise, administrative competence, and a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
Minimum Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold a recognised nursing qualification that enables registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. This includes one of the following:
1. Basic Nursing Qualification (R425 Equivalent)
- Diploma or degree in Nursing, OR
- Equivalent qualification (R683 plus R254)
- Must allow registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse
2. Bachelor Degree in Nursing
- A four-year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174), OR
- Equivalent qualification (R683 plus R1497 or R171 plus R1497)
- Must allow registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse
Professional Registration Requirement
All applicants must be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. Proof of valid and current registration will be required. This ensures that all candidates meet national standards for professional nursing practice.
Required Experience
Applicants must have:
- A minimum of 7 years of appropriate and recognisable experience in nursing
- Experience must be gained after registration as a Professional Nurse with SANC
- Experience should be within General Nursing practice
This extensive experience requirement ensures that the successful candidate has the necessary clinical exposure, leadership capacity, and decision-making ability required for a senior management role.
Inherent Requirements of the Job
The position includes several essential operational requirements that applicants must be willing and able to meet:
1. Valid Driver’s Licence
Applicants must hold a valid Code B or EB driver’s licence. This is necessary due to the possibility of travel between facilities, coordination duties, and administrative responsibilities.
2. Willingness to Travel
The role may require travel within the district or to related healthcare facilities for meetings, training, supervision, or operational support.
3. Overtime and Standby Duties
Candidates must be willing to:
- Work overtime when required
- Perform after-hours duties
- Participate in weekend standby schedules
This ensures continuous service delivery within the hospital environment.
4. Relief Duties
The successful candidate may be required to:
- Temporarily relieve the Deputy Manager Nursing
- Support other Operational Managers when needed
This requires flexibility, adaptability, and strong leadership capability across different hospital units.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of knowledge and professional competence in the following areas:
1. Nursing Legislation and Legal Frameworks
A strong understanding of:
- Nursing legislation in South Africa
- Ethical nursing practices
- Professional codes of conduct
- Healthcare legal frameworks
This ensures compliance with national healthcare standards and patient safety regulations.
2. Labour Legislation
Candidates must understand:
- Employment laws relevant to the public health sector
- Staff rights and responsibilities
- Disciplinary procedures
- Labour relations policies
This is essential for effective staff management and conflict resolution.
3. Public Sector Policies and Guidelines
Knowledge of public healthcare policies, protocols, and operational guidelines is required to ensure consistent and compliant service delivery.
4. Computer Literacy
Applicants must be proficient in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
These tools are essential for reporting, communication, planning, and administrative duties.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Operational Manager Nursing (General) will be responsible for managing the Female Ward at Oudtshoorn Hospital. The role includes a wide range of clinical, administrative, and managerial responsibilities.
1. Management of Clinical Services
The incumbent will be responsible for:
- Planning and organising clinical nursing services
- Ensuring high-quality patient care delivery
- Monitoring clinical standards and performance
- Coordinating daily ward operations
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare protocols
The goal is to maintain an efficient and safe clinical environment for patients and staff.
2. Staff Management and Rostering
The Operational Manager will:
- Develop and manage staff rosters
- Ensure adequate staffing levels at all times
- Allocate duties based on skill and experience
- Supervise nursing staff performance
- Address staffing challenges effectively
Proper workforce management ensures continuity of care and operational efficiency.
3. Human Resource Utilisation and Development
The role includes:
- Effective utilisation of nursing staff
- Supporting staff development and training
- Promoting continuous professional development
- Participating in performance evaluations
- Encouraging teamwork and collaboration
The aim is to build a skilled and motivated nursing workforce.
4. Financial, Consumables, and Equipment Management
The Operational Manager is responsible for:
- Monitoring and controlling use of hospital resources
- Managing consumables and medical supplies
- Ensuring proper maintenance of equipment
- Preventing waste and misuse of resources
- Supporting budget efficiency within the ward
Effective resource management contributes to cost control and service sustainability.
5. Training, Development, and Research
The candidate will:
- Initiate and participate in training programmes
- Support nursing education and skills development
- Encourage research within the nursing environment
- Promote evidence-based nursing practices
This ensures continuous improvement in healthcare service delivery.
6. Support to Nursing Services and Institution
The Operational Manager will:
- Provide leadership support to the Nursing Department
- Assist in implementing hospital policies
- Contribute to institutional goals and objectives
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
This ensures alignment between ward operations and hospital management strategies.
7. Ethical Practice and Professional Development
The incumbent must:
- Uphold ethical nursing standards
- Promote professionalism among staff
- Encourage self-development and lifelong learning
- Ensure patient dignity and confidentiality
Maintaining ethical standards is critical in healthcare delivery.
Work Environment and Expectations
This is a senior nursing management position within a hospital setting. The candidate will work in a high-pressure environment that requires:
- Strong leadership under pressure
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities
- Excellent decision-making skills
- Commitment to patient care excellence
The role involves both administrative and clinical oversight, requiring balance between management duties and patient care supervision.
Personal Attributes Required
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication abilities
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong organisational abilities
- Commitment to patient-centred care
- Team-building capabilities
These attributes are essential for success in a senior nursing leadership position.
Importance of the Role
The Operational Manager Nursing plays a vital role in ensuring that hospital services run efficiently and effectively. In the Female Ward at Oudtshoorn Hospital, this position is critical in:
- Ensuring high-quality patient care
- Maintaining staff discipline and performance
- Managing hospital resources effectively
- Supporting clinical governance
- Improving patient outcomes
This role directly impacts the quality of healthcare delivery and the overall functioning of the hospital.
Application Process and Conditions
Applicants are advised that:
- No payment is required when applying for this post
- Candidates may be subjected to a competency assessment or test
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection
Applicants must ensure that all qualifications and supporting documents are valid and verifiable.
Enquiries
For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact:
Mr CB Olivier
Telephone: (044) 604-6104
Enquiries should be made during official working hours.
Conclusion
The position of Operational Manager Nursing (General) – Female Ward at Oudtshoorn Hospital presents a significant leadership opportunity for experienced Professional Nurses. This role requires a combination of clinical expertise, management capability, and strong ethical values.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing nursing services, supervising staff, ensuring efficient use of resources, and maintaining high standards of patient care. With a strong focus on leadership, accountability, and service delivery, this position is central to the effective functioning of the hospital’s Female Ward.
Applicants who meet the requirements and possess the necessary experience are encouraged to apply and contribute to strengthening healthcare services within the Garden Route District.