Registered Nurse – Theatre (Theatre Qualified)

Job Title: Registered Nurse – Theatre (Theatre Qualified)
Company: Life Healthcare
Function: Nursing
Location: Life Cosmos Hospital, Mpumalanga
Position Reporting To: Clara Vickory, Theatre Matron
Closing Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
Contact: Mmaosia.kgoele@lifehealthcare.co.za

Position Overview

Life Healthcare seeks a Registered Nurse with theatre qualifications to join the team at Life Cosmos Hospital in Mpumalanga. This role is an essential part of the hospital’s theatre department, requiring the successful candidate to assist in surgical procedures, maintain theatre protocols, and uphold standards of patient care. Working closely with the surgical team, the Registered Nurse will ensure optimal preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, contributing to the overall success of the theatre operations and patient recovery.

Key Responsibilities

The role involves a comprehensive set of responsibilities, requiring the candidate to manage clinical, administrative, and interpersonal aspects of theatre nursing.

1. Financial and Inventory Management

• Accurate Billing: Ensure accurate billing for theatre time, consignment stock, equipment, and prosthetics to maintain effective financial records.
• Stock Control: Participate in regular stock takes, and manage the consignment stock according to hospital policies, reducing wastage and ensuring availability of supplies.

2. Theatre Equipment and Instrumentation Management

• Equipment Use and Maintenance: Educate and supervise staff on the correct usage of theatre equipment and instruments, minimizing downtime and ensuring the reliability of theatre resources.
• Instrumentation Oversight: Ensure that theatre instrumentation is properly maintained, reducing the risk of malfunctions and improving the efficiency of surgical procedures.

3. Quality Patient Care

• Preoperative Preparation: Collect accurate information from patients before surgery, ensuring that all preparations are in place for a smooth procedure.
• Postoperative Monitoring: Conduct postoperative visits to assess recovery, address patient concerns, and provide updates to the surgical team.
• Surgical Assistance: Assist the surgical team during operations, ensuring patient comfort and supporting the surgeon in real-time for efficient, safe procedures.

4. People and Team Management

• Training and Supervision: Provide specialized training to theatre staff and evaluate their competence in meeting procedural and care standards.
• Staff Scheduling and Monitoring: Collaborate with the Unit Manager to schedule theatre staff, track hours worked, and ensure that overtime is effectively managed to maintain productivity.
• Scope of Practice Compliance: Ensure that each member of the theatre team operates within their professional scope of practice, promoting legal and ethical standards.

5. SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) Management

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Enforce the use of PPE to maintain safety standards in the theatre, minimizing exposure to infectious agents.
• Waste Disposal and Infection Control: Ensure proper disposal of medical waste, reducing contamination and aligning with ISO infection control standards.

6. Relationship Management with Stakeholders

• Internal Engagement: Participate in consultative and review meetings to maintain clear communication with internal departments, ensuring the theatre team’s goals align with hospital objectives.
• External Relations: Establish productive relationships with external stakeholders, resolving issues promptly and escalating them when necessary.

Qualifications and Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must meet a set of educational, professional, and technical requirements that demonstrate their competence in theatre nursing.

• Educational Requirements:
  • A General Nursing Degree or Diploma.
  • Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
  • Additional Theatre Specialty Diploma.
• Experience and Technical Skills:
  • At least 2 years of theatre nursing experience and the technical proficiency to manage equipment, assist in surgery, and perform in a high-stakes environment.
  • Knowledge of private healthcare systems and standards, including an understanding of the challenges faced in the industry.
• Computer Skills:
  • Computer literacy is advantageous, as it aids in accurate record-keeping, scheduling, and billing within the theatre department.

Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate a strong skill set that aligns with the following core competencies:

• Problem-Solving, Analysis, and Judgment: Ability to assess situations quickly and implement solutions that benefit the patient, surgical team, and hospital operations.
• Resilience and Emotional Stability: Theatre nursing can be demanding; this role requires a resilient personality that can thrive under pressure and handle the emotional demands of patient care.
• Diversity and Inclusivity: Engaging effectively with a diverse team and patient population, fostering inclusivity in all interactions.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for coordinating with surgeons, the theatre team, and patients.
• Customer Responsiveness: A patient-centered approach is essential, as the role involves direct patient interactions that influence the overall healthcare experience.
• Organizational Awareness: Understand the hospital’s goals, policies, and procedures, and ensure theatre operations are aligned with these objectives.
• Drive and Energy: An enthusiastic approach, with the ability to motivate the team and contribute positively to the theatre environment.
• Ethical Behavior: Maintain high standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethics in all aspects of patient care and theatre operations.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to lead by example, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate effectively with the theatre team to ensure seamless operations.

Career Growth and Benefits

Life Healthcare offers Registered Nurses a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth, skill development, and advancement in theatre nursing. This position provides access to ongoing training, industry exposure, and a supportive work environment that values innovation and excellence.

Registered Nurses at Life Healthcare benefit from:

• Continuous Professional Development: Access to structured development programs and in-house training sessions designed to expand your technical and managerial skills.
• Competitive Salary and Benefits: Life Healthcare provides competitive remuneration packages that include health benefits, retirement savings options, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: A supportive work culture that encourages a balance between professional and personal commitments.
• Flexible Working Options: Opportunities to adjust work hours as needed to support personal well-being and family life.
• Employee Wellness Programs: Access to employee wellness programs that promote physical and mental health, as well as assistance programs to support team members facing personal challenges.

Why Join Life Healthcare?

Life Healthcare is one of South Africa’s largest private healthcare networks, known for its commitment to quality care, technological innovation, and clinical excellence. Working at Life Healthcare’s Life Cosmos Hospital in Mpumalanga offers healthcare professionals the chance to positively impact patient outcomes in a collaborative, innovative, and compassionate environment. As a Registered Nurse in the theatre department, you’ll be at the forefront of providing essential healthcare services that improve the lives of individuals and families.

Life Healthcare values its employees and believes in fostering a positive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all. The company is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.

Application Process

To apply, submit your application to Mmaosia.kgoele@lifehealthcare.co.za by November 11, 2024. Internal applicants are encouraged to discuss their application with their line manager before applying. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive a response within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

For more information on Life Healthcare’s career opportunities, visit our careers page or contact our recruitment hotline at 011 219 9000.

Life Healthcare thanks all applicants for their interest in joining its dedicated team of healthcare professionals.