Paediatric Nurse

Reporting to the relevant manager, the Paediatric Nurse will administer prescribed medications via oral and monitor and record patients' vital signs at a growing business in Knysna, Western Cape.

There is genuine scope to shape the role and make it your own. The culture rewards accountability, honesty, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Apply now to be considered for this rewarding opportunity.

The role is based on-site and suits someone living within commuting distance.

Infection Control & Safety Compliance

• Implement and maintain strict infection prevention and control protocols including hand hygiene using the five moments framework, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to isolation and transmission-based precautions for patients with communicable conditions.
• Ensure all clinical equipment and reusable medical devices are correctly decontaminated, cleaned, and sterilised according to the unit's infection control policy, maintaining sterilisation logs and performing regular biological indicator testing on autoclaves and chemical sterilisation systems.
• Participate in the unit's antimicrobial stewardship programme by collecting specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating antibiotics, communicating microbiology results to the treating team promptly, and advocating for appropriate and responsible antibiotic use.

Medication & Treatment Administration

• Administer prescribed medications via oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and topical routes strictly observing the five rights of medication administration and documenting each dose in the medication administration record immediately after the patient receives it.
• Monitor patients for therapeutic effects, adverse drug reactions, and potential drug interactions following medication administration, reporting any unexpected or concerning responses to the prescribing doctor immediately and documenting all observations in the patient's clinical record.
• Prepare, check, and administer intravenous infusions including calculating drip rates accurately, monitoring infusion sites for signs of phlebitis or extravasation, and titrating IV medications according to prescribed parameters while closely monitoring patient haemodynamic response.
• Manage the medicine room and controlled drug cupboard by maintaining accurate stock counts, checking expiry dates proactively, ordering replacement stock, and completing the controlled drug register with a witness signature at each shift handover to ensure accountability.

Patient Care & Clinical Practice

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments on admission and at regular intervals throughout each shift by taking vital signs, evaluating physical and psychological status, and identifying actual and potential nursing care needs for every patient under your care.
• Monitor and accurately record patients' vital signs, fluid balance, pain levels, and clinical observations in nursing notes and observation charts, identifying early warning signs of clinical deterioration and escalating concerns to the treating doctor without delay.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualised nursing care plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, setting measurable and realistic goals, prioritising interventions, and updating plans as the patient's condition changes or progresses through treatment.

• Excellent clinical assessment and observation skills to detect subtle changes in a patient's condition.
• Basic life support or advanced cardiac life support certification as required for the clinical area.
• For specialist roles, a postgraduate certificate in the relevant speciality such as critical care, paediatrics, or mental health.
• Physical stamina and emotional resilience to cope with the demands of hands-on nursing care in a busy clinical environment.
• A recognised nursing qualification: a degree or diploma for registered nurse positions, or an enrolled nursing certificate.
• Thorough knowledge of nursing theory, clinical procedures, infection control, and the ethical and legal framework of nursing.