Vacancy: Enrolled Nurse/Enrolled Nurse Assistant – Theatre – Medgate (Roodepoort)
Posted on: May 27, 2024
Closing Date: October 4, 2024
Role Summary
Medgate is seeking an experienced and dedicated Enrolled Nurse or Enrolled Nurse Assistant to join its theatre team in Roodepoort. The successful candidate will provide direct and indirect nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. This role involves key responsibilities, such as patient assessment, assisting the scrub nurse during surgical operations, and maintaining the sterility of the operating room.
The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with the standards set by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), the Department of Health (DOH), and National Core standards. The role requires maintaining high levels of accountability, with the Enrolled Nurse held responsible for their actions and omissions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Patient Care
- Provide patient care within the Scope of Practice for Enrolled Nurses, assuming full responsibility for the associated tasks.
- Prepare and maintain the operating room by ensuring necessary equipment, instruments, and medications are available for each procedure.
- Assist in the holistic care of patients, including preoperative and postoperative care.
- Maintain a sterile environment through regular cleaning of the theatre unit and scrubbing areas.
- Ensure all instruments, swabs, and sharp objects are counted and handled safely during procedures.
- Adhere to aseptic techniques when handling sterile packs and consumables.
- Manage patient costs effectively by ensuring the correct and efficient use of supplies and equipment.
- Actively assist in positioning the patient on the operating table and in transferring them to and from the theatre, while preventing risks.
- Communicate effectively with patients to ensure they understand their care process.
- Be proactive in anticipating the needs of the scrub nurse, surgeon, and anesthetist during procedures.
- Assist the anesthetist during the induction of anesthesia and provide ongoing support throughout the procedure.
- Follow strict infection prevention protocols and maintain all standard precautions.
- Promote positive relationships with patients, their families, and visitors, ensuring their needs are met with respect and compassion.
- Address and escalate any patient or doctor complaints to the Facility Manager or shift leader.
- Complete assigned departmental duties as directed by the Facility Manager, shift leader, or scrub person.
- Ensure all patients have an appropriate nursing care plan and update it as needed.
- Report any changes in patient health status to relevant Health Care Practitioners.
- Administer medications in accordance with hospital policies and the SANC scope of practice.
2. Administration
- Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in compliance with hospital policies, including patient records, theatre logs, and reports on abnormalities.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of procedures and care provided in the theatre, ensuring proper documentation at all times.
- At the end of each day’s surgery list, ensure that the theatre is left clean and organized, with oxygen and suction systems disconnected.
- Sign all necessary registers, including drug checklists, drug registers, and operating room registers, and ensure anesthetists sign where required.
- Maintain specimen registers and ensure that proper protocols are followed for their handling.
- Participate in ongoing audits of health records to ensure compliance with legal and hospital standards.
- Ensure stock is controlled, managed, and appropriately charged and credited.
3. Risk Management
- Maintain a therapeutic, clean, and safe environment, adhering to medico-legal standards and avoiding any hazards that may affect patient or staff safety.
- Follow Advanced Health’s medical waste management principles to ensure proper disposal and handling of waste in line with national regulations.
- Ensure compliance with the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act, maintaining a safe working environment at all times.
- Identify and report any actual or potential risks, including equipment malfunctions or unsafe practices.
- Take responsibility for the correct use, cleaning, and storage of equipment used during procedures.
- Report any equipment that requires repair or replacement to the appropriate personnel to ensure uninterrupted service.
- Uphold professional conduct and standards at all times in line with Advanced Health’s policies and procedures.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy during all interactions and ensure sensitive information is protected.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Matriculation certificate (Grade 12) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Enrolled Nurse qualification, registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
- A minimum of five years’ experience as an Enrolled Nurse, with significant exposure to post-operative care.
- Experience as a floor nurse and working with anesthetics is essential.
- Previous experience in a private hospital setting will be considered an advantage.
Application Process
Internal applicants are advised to discuss their interest in the role with their direct line manager prior to applying. As part of the recruitment process, reference checks will be conducted with current line managers within the Advanced Health Group.
For both internal and external applicants, additional recruitment checks may be carried out, including but not limited to:
- Assessment tests
- Credit and security checks
- Verification of qualifications
HOW TO APPLY
By applying for this position, candidates consent to these recruitment checks and assessments.
If you are interested in joining the Medgate theatre team as an Enrolled Nurse or Enrolled Nurse Assistant, please submit your CV to careers@advancedhealth.co.za by the closing date of October 4, 2024.
Conclusion
This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic theatre environment where teamwork, patient care, and clinical excellence are priorities. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the surgical team, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining high standards of clinical practice in accordance with the guidelines set by the SANC and Advanced Health Group. We look forward to receiving applications from motivated and skilled professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in patient care.
Enrolled Nurse Assistant