About the position
We have temporary positions for a theatre scrub sister (Professional Nurse) in South Africa who is a specialised perioperative nurse responsible for expert scrub assistance during surgical procedures, maintaining the sterile field, and ensuring patient safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Intra-operative Care: Prepare and maintain the operating room and the sterile field before, during, and after surgery. This includes auditing and arranging surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.
- Surgical Assistance: Assist the surgeon during operations by passing instruments, swabs, and other sterile supplies in a timely and efficient manner.
- Sterility and Infection Control: Adhere to and enforce strict infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols and aseptic techniques to minimise infection risks.
- Patient Safety & Advocacy: Ensure patient safety throughout the perioperative period, including proper positioning, surgical draping, and advocating for the patient's rights.
- Monitoring & Documentation: Monitor patient vital signs as needed and maintain accurate, comprehensive records of all nursing interventions and surgical processes to meet legal requirements.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely and communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary surgical team (surgeons, anaesthetists, circulating nurses) to ensure a seamless surgical experience.
- Stock Management: Control and manage all utilised stock and equipment, ensuring they are accurately charged and used economically.
- Mentorship: Mentor and train junior staff and rotating team members within the operating theatre environment.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- A Basic R425 qualification (Diploma/Degree in Nursing) or an equivalent qualification allowing registration as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
Registration
- Current and valid registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) is mandatory.
Specialist Qualification
- A post-basic nursing qualification (minimum one year), accredited with SANC in Operating Theatre Nursing Science (R212 qualification), is typically required or a strong advantage.
Experience
- 2-5 years of appropriate experience as a scrub nurse in a theatre setting is generally required.
- Senior or specialised roles may require 6+ years of experience in a specific specialty.
Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or other advanced certifications such as PALS or ATLS may also be required for specialised units.
Desired Skills:
- Comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures and instrumentation
- Expertise in sterile and aseptic techniques
- Ability to quickly and accurately assess a patient's condition and respond to changes
- Competency in operating and managing specialist medical equipment
- Computer literacy (MS Word
- PowerPoint
- Excel) for documentation and administration tasks.
- Attention to detail: Meticulous focus is crucial to maintain sterility and accuracy during procedures.
- Composed and calm under pressure: Essential for working in a fast-paced and high-stress environment and reacting quickly in emergencies.
- Strong communication skills: Needed to act as a liaison between the surgical team
- patient
- and other departments.
- Teamwork and collaboration: The role requires working interdependently within a multidisciplinary team.
- Organisational skills: The ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively in the theatre setting.
- Physical and mental stamina: The job often requires long periods of standing and high levels of focus for extended durations.
- Empathy: Providing compassionate
- patient-centred care
- especially during the pre- and post-operative phases.
Desired Work Experience:
- 1 to 2 years Nursing / Professional Care Giving
Desired Qualification Level:
