The Operational Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is responsible for the delivery of quality, competent nursing care within the operating theatre environment. The incumbent acts as a clinical resource, leader and specialist, performing functions at an advanced level with a strong focus on patient safety, clinical excellence and professional nursing practice.
The successful candidate will have sound and contemporary knowledge of operating theatre nursing, together with an advanced understanding of professional nursing, healthcare delivery and clinical programme planning.
The role encompasses:
- Operational management
- Advanced clinical care
- Specialist consultation and expert clinical support
- Clinical teaching and mentoring of staff and learners
- Research and continuous improvement
- Clinical leadership
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Unit Manager in ensuring the Theatre provides safe, cost-effective and quality patient care in line with clinical governance, evidence-based practice and healthcare research.
- Act as a shift coordinator and provide effective clinical leadership within the Theatre.
- Ensure the delivery and coordination of competent nursing care.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives applicable to the Theatre and support compliance with improvement interventions.
- Support and supervise less experienced staff.
- Act as a preceptor for new staff and assist with the clinical teaching and development of learners.
- Provide leadership in clinical situations and act as a role model for competent professional practice.
- Contribute to ongoing research, development and review of best practice within the specialty.
- Act as a clinical resource based on advanced and broad knowledge and skills within the specialty.
- Orientate new staff and students to ensure a thorough understanding of the Theatre environment.
- Allocate staff appropriately to ensure optimal utilisation of available skills in line with booked procedures.
- In collaboration with the Unit Manager, support the adjustment of staffing levels according to Theatre utilisation and operational requirements.
- Participate in quality improvement and management initiatives that may be documented through reports and/or presentations.
- Collaborate effectively with other hospital departments and the multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate support services.
- Promote employee engagement, morale and productivity within the clinical environment.
- Maintain effective communication and positive working relationships with colleagues, patients, doctors and other stakeholders.
- Participate actively in own professional development and maintain current specialist knowledge and clinical competence.
- Keep up to date with relevant organisational policies, procedures and clinical practices.
- Foster positive interpersonal and professional relationships while applying organisational philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Qualifications
- Registered as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) or hold an equivalent NQF Level 7 nursing qualification.
- Post-basic nursing qualification in Operating Room Nursing.
- Current and contemporary knowledge and clinical skills within the operating theatre specialty.
Relevant Experience
Experience in one or more of the following areas will be advantageous:
- Operating Theatre
- Cath Lab
- Cardiac
- ICU
Knowledge and Technical Competencies
- Thorough knowledge of operating theatre nursing theory and practice.
- Extensive knowledge of modern nursing care principles and practices within the theatre environment.
- Advanced clinical knowledge and specialist nursing skills.
- Ability to provide expert clinical guidance and support to nursing staff.
- Knowledge of quality improvement and clinical governance principles.
- Ability to apply evidence-based practice in the clinical environment.
- Strong understanding of patient safety and professional nursing standards.
Key Competencies
Coaching and Developing Others
- Ability to identify development areas in others and support personal and professional development through coaching, mentoring and clinical teaching.
Leadership and Change Management
- Ability to lead and support change initiatives.
- Ability to provide effective leadership during periods of uncertainty or operational change.
- Ability to act as a positive clinical role model.
Performance Development
- Ability to evaluate and develop the capabilities of team members to achieve clinical and operational objectives.
Decision Making
- Ability to make timely, appropriate clinical and operational decisions and take responsibility for outcomes.
Taking Action
- Ability to identify when action is required, assess potential risks and take responsibility for results.
Managing Self
- Strong planning, organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritise effectively and achieve objectives within required timeframes.
Customer Focus and Service Delivery
- Ability to identify and respond appropriately to the needs of internal and external customers, including patients, doctors, colleagues, suppliers, visitors and other stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
- Commitment to improving systems, processes and clinical practices.
- Ability to participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to best-practice development.
Communication
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, colleagues and multidisciplinary teams.
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Ability to work cooperatively with others towards common goals.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and professional disciplines.
Relationship Building
- Ability to establish and maintain constructive and effective professional relationships.
Personal Work Ethic
- Strong commitment to professional excellence, quality, consistency and accountability.
Adaptability
- Ability to respond positively to change and support organisational and clinical initiatives.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Professionalism and integrity.
- Compassion and empathy.
- Strong clinical leadership.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- A patient-centred approach.
- High attention to detail.
- Accountability and sound judgement.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional standards.
- Strong team orientation.