Job Description: Theatre Professional Nurse
Location:
Mediclinic Facility
Reporting to:
Unit Manager / Theatre Manager
Job Purpose
To deliver safe, quality peri-operative nursing care in the theatre environment, ensuring optimal patient outcomes through adherence to clinical standards, maintaining patient safety, and supporting multidisciplinary surgical teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Patient Care
- Deliver comprehensive, high-quality nursing care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
- Ensure accurate patient assessment, preparation, and positioning in theatre.
- Maintain patient dignity, safety, and confidentiality at all times.
- Monitor patient status intra-operatively and respond promptly to clinical changes.
- Clinical Practice
- Assist surgeons and anaesthetists during surgical procedures following aseptic and sterile protocols.
- Prepare and manage theatre equipment, instruments, and consumables.
- Maintain infection prevention and control standards in accordance with Mediclinic policies.
- Administer medication safely within scope of practice.
- Theatre Efficiency
- Ensure theatre readiness and turnover efficiency between cases.
- Participate in surgical safety checklists (including WHO protocols).
- Contribute to cost-effective use of resources and stock control.
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Adhere to relevant healthcare legislation, SANC regulations, and Mediclinic policies.
- Identify, manage, and report risks, incidents, and adverse events.
- Ensure accurate and complete clinical documentation.
- Team Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals.
- Communicate effectively within the multidisciplinary team.
- Support and mentor junior staff and students where applicable.
- Professional Development
- Participate in ongoing education, training, and competency assessments.
- Maintain professional registration and CPD requirements.
- Stay updated with best practices in perioperative nursing.
Minimum Requirements
Education & Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Nursing (General Nursing).
- Post-basic qualification in Operating Theatre Nursing Science (preferred).
- Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.
Experience
- Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a theatre environment (scrub, circulating, or anaesthetics).
- Experience in private healthcare (advantageous).
Skills & Competencies
- Strong clinical and technical theatre skills.
- Knowledge of surgical procedures and instruments.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability.
- Commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Key Attributes
- Patient-focused and compassionate approach.
- High level of professionalism and ethical practice.
- Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
- Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic theatre setting.
Working Conditions
- Shift work, including nights, weekends, and on-call duties.
- Exposure to a high-pressure surgical environment.