Auxiliary Nurse - Head Office

Dis-Chem Pharmacies require the services of a Auxiliary Nurse to provide basic nursing care and pre-consultation support to patients attending the Primary Health Clinic. Responsible for taking and recording vital signs, facilitating patient flow, obtaining and documenting consent, maintaining accurate patient records, and provide basic administration support Registered Nurse / Professional Nurse.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (or equivalent recognized qualification).
• Registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Auxiliary Nurse, where applicable
• Minimum of 1- 3 yrs experience in primary healthcare, outpatient or clinic environment will be
• Computer literate – MS Office

Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre-Consultation Patient Assessment

• Assist with the preparation of patients before consultation by performing basic assessments as delegated by the Registered Nurse•
• Receive patients in the pre-consultation area in a professional and respectful manner.
• Confirm patient identity using the approved patient identification process.
• Record reason for visiting or presenting complaint as per clinic procedure.
• Take, document and report basic vital signs, including:
• oBlood pressure
• oPulse
• oTemperature
• oRespiratory rate
• oOxygen saturation, where applicable
• oWeight
• oHeight
• oBody Mass Index, where applicable
• oBlood glucose, where delegated and according to protocol
• Identify abnormal vital signs and immediately report these to the Registered Nurse.
• Assist with basic screening according to clinic protocols.

Patient Administration

• To support accurate and efficient patient administration in the pre-consultation room.
• Ensure patient demographic details are verified.
• Ensure patient electronic health records are available and updated.
• Record all relevant pre-consultation information accurately.
• Ensure required documents are signed, completed and correctly.
• Capture information on the clinic system.
• Ensure accurate handover of patient information to the Registered Nurse or consulting practitioner.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Accurately record all vital signs and observations clearly.
• Ensure patient records are complete, legible, dated and signed where required.
• Document consent and patient interactions according to facility policy.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
• Comply with legal, ethical and facility record-keeping requirements.

Health and Safety

• Ensure a clean, safe and hygienic patient and clinical environment.
• Adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.

• Perform hand hygiene according to protocol.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately.
• Clean and disinfect equipment between patients.
• Ensure equipment such as blood pressure machines, thermometers, glucometers and scales are clean and functional.
• Report faulty equipment to the Registered Nurse or Clinic Manager.
• Safely handle and dispose of clinical waste according to facility policy or established procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the pre-consultation room.
• Follow occupational health and safety requirements.

Communication and Teamwork

• The Auxiliary Nurse must work closely with the Registered Nurse, doctors, reception team and other healthcare workers.
• Communicate respectfully with patients, families and staff.
• Escalate clinical concerns promptly.
• Follow instructions from the Registered Nurse.
• Support efficient patient movement through the clinic.
• Always maintain professional behaviour.
• Participating in clinic meetings, training and quality improvement activities where required.

General

• The Auxiliary Nurse must function strictly within the scope of practice for an Auxiliary Nurse and within facility protocols.
• The Auxiliary Nurse may not:
• Work independently without supervision.
• Diagnose patients.
• Prescribe medication.
• Change treatment plans.
• Give clinical advice outside approved protocol.
• Perform procedures outside the delegated scope.
• Obtain consent for complex clinical procedures without Registered Nurse or practitioner involvement.

The Auxiliary Nurse must immediately escalate to the Registered Nurse if:

• Vital signs are abnormal.
• A patient appears acutely ill or unstable.
• A patient reports chest pain, shortness of breath, severe pain, fainting, confusion or severe bleeding.
• There is uncertainty regarding consent.
• A patient refuses care or withdraws consent.
• There is no clinical, ethical or safety concern.

Competencies:

Essential:

• English and 2nd language – Read, write and speak
• Good communication skills, listening
• Sound understanding of basic nursing principles, anatomy and physiology, patient care practices, infection prevention and control standards, patient safety protocols, confidentiality requirements, health promotion principles, and record-keeping requirements.
• Business acumen
• Cogntive skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Quality Orientation
• Self management skills
• Leadership skills
• technical skills
• Management skills
• Computer literate – MS Office 

Special conditions of employment:

• Registered with the South African Nursing Council
• Willing and able to work retail hours
• Physically fit and able to stand for a long period
• Clear credit and criminal records
• Based in a private Dis-Chem Clinic in store.
• Primarily assigned to the pre-consultation room.
• May be required to assist in other clinic areas within scope and under supervision.
• May require standing for extended periods.
• Must comply with shift schedules, clinic operating hours and facility policies.
• Must wear prescribed uniform and identification badge

Legal Requirements

• Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary and maintenance of current registration status.
• Practice within the Nursing Act, applicable healthcare legislation, and the prescribed scope of practice.
• Adherence to ethical standards, patient confidentiality requirements, and organisational policies and procedures.
• Compliance with all health, safety, quality assurance, and infection prevention regulations relevant to the healthcare environment.

Remuneration and benefits:

• Market-related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. IF YOU HAVEN`T BEEN CONTACTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL.

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.