Job Description

The Unit Manager of the Operating Theatre is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, clinical care, and administrative functions of the theatre department. This role requires strong leadership, clinical expertise, and managerial skills to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care in a fast-paced and critical care environment with improved quality nursing care by ensuring compliance to professional and ethical practice. The incumbent will supervise and direct nursing care and all related activities of their unit/s according to the policies, procedures, philosophy and objectives of the hospital.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and organise multiple work outputs by assigning tasks and priorities and continuously reviewing objectives and goals in line with the Unit standards.
Plan, organise, supervise and assess quality nursing standards and ensure efficient and effective execution of the required tasks.
Accumulate information to report on work progress and use for decision making purposes and the identification of improvement opportunities.
Translate and drive adherence to the relevant regulatory principles and standards across the unit as set out by the SANC and other regulatory bodies.
Act as the liaison between nurses and other departments, whilst engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure operational efficiencies are coordinated to improve overall effectiveness of unit activities in line with hospital requirements.
Facilitate and maintain the doctors theatre list allocation and ensure all required equipment is set for procedures.
Organise and monitor stock levels to maximize efficiency, ensuring an effective stock management system is implemented in Units.
Ensure that clinical equipment is managed appropriately by staff and that care is taken in terms of prevention of damage to equipment.
Manage ward clerks, RNs, RNAs as well as ENAs within area of accountability and drive service optimisation.
Conduct environmental and patient safety checks within the ward taking prompt action when required, to meet set clinical quality standards per agreed policies and procedures.
Supervise and ensure that principles of aseptic technique are adhered to prevent cross infection.
Ensure adherence in line with theatre Standard Operating procedures as well as Safety.
Registered as a Registered Nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
A Post Basic Qualification in Specialty (Theatre)
Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in Operational Theatre, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role
Experience which has provided the opportunity to establish clinical nursing and managerial skills
Ability to implement and maintain standards of health practice required from all accreditation bodies and appropriate health legislation
Strong clinical expertise and knowledge of Operational Theatre principles, practices, and technologies.
Proficiency in budget management, resource allocation, and performance improvement methodologies.

Skills Required