Dis-Chem Pharmacies has an opportunity available for an Auxiliary Nurse to join our Dis-Chem Clinic team.
The aim of a strategic talent pool is to have a readily available and pre-screened group of individuals with specific skills, qualifications, or attributes that make them suitable for future job opportunities within Dis-Chem Pharmacies.
The successful candidate will provide basic nursing care and pre-consultation support to patients attending the Primary Health Clinic. The role will be responsible for taking and recording vital signs, facilitating patient flow, obtaining and documenting consent, maintaining accurate patient records and providing basic administrative support to the Registered Nurse / Professional Nurse.
The Auxiliary Nurse will work under the supervision, delegation and direction of a Registered Nurse / Professional Nurse, and in accordance with the legal, ethical and professional scope of practice applicable to Auxiliary Nurses in South Africa.
Minimum Requirements
Essential
- Matric or equivalent Senior Certificate.
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- Registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Auxiliary Nurse, where applicable.
- Must maintain active registration and compliance with SANC requirements.
- Minimum of 1–3 years’ experience in a primary healthcare, outpatient or clinic environment.
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 the reason for the patient’s visit or presenting complaint in accordance with clinic procedures.
- Take, document and report basic vital signs, including:
- Blood pressure.
- Pulse.
- Temperature.
- Respiratory rate.
- Oxygen saturation, where applicable.
- Weight.
- Height.
- Body Mass Index, where applicable.
- Blood glucose, where delegated and according to protocol.
- Identify abnormal vital signs and immediately report these to the Registered Nurse.
- Assist with basic screening in accordance with clinic protocols.
Patient Administration
- Support accurate and efficient patient administration in the pre-consultation room.
- Ensure patient demographic details are verified.
- Ensure electronic patient health records are available and updated.
- Record all relevant pre-consultation information accurately.
- Ensure required documents are correctly completed and signed.
- Capture information on the clinic system.
- Ensure accurate handover of patient information to the Registered Nurse or consulting practitioner.
Documentation & Record Keeping
- Accurately record all vital signs and observations.
- Ensure patient records are complete, legible, dated and signed where required.
- Document consent and patient interactions according to facility policy.
- Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
- Comply with legal, ethical and facility record-keeping requirements.
Health & 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 and established procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness and order in the pre-consultation room.
- Follow occupational health and safety requirements.
Communication & Teamwork
- 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.
- Maintain professional behaviour at all times.
- Participate in clinic meetings, training and quality improvement activities where required.
Scope of Practice
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.
Competencies
Knowledge
- Sound understanding of basic nursing principles, anatomy and physiology.
- Knowledge of patient care practices.
- Understanding of infection prevention and control standards.
- Understanding of patient safety protocols and confidentiality requirements.
- Knowledge of health promotion principles and record-keeping requirements.
- Working knowledge of SANC regulations, nursing ethics, patient rights, clinic policies, standard operating procedures and consent processes applicable to healthcare service delivery.
Cognitive Skills
- Ability to accurately assess and record patient observations and vital signs.
- Strong attention to detail and observation skills to identify abnormalities or changes in patient condition and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Ability to follow clinical protocols and interpret instructions accurately.
- Ability to prioritise routine activities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Business Acumen
- Understanding of the impact of quality patient care, compliance requirements and operational efficiency on clinic performance and patient experience.
- Ability to balance patient-centred care with healthcare regulations, clinical protocols and organisational standards.
Communication Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, Registered Nurses, healthcare practitioners and support staff.
- Ability to explain routine processes clearly.
- Ability to document information accurately.
- Ability to escalate patient concerns promptly and professionally.
Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrates empathy, professionalism and respect when interacting with patients and colleagues.
- Builds positive working relationships within the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Works collaboratively and supports patient needs.
- Contributes to a patient-centred culture of care.
Quality Orientation
- Maintains a high standard of accuracy and quality in patient care activities and documentation.
- Ensures compliance with infection prevention and control protocols, patient safety standards and clinic procedures.
- Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement and the delivery of safe, quality healthcare services.
Self-Management
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and patient flow effectively within a structured clinical environment.
- Demonstrates accountability, reliability and professionalism in daily activities.
- Maintains composure under pressure.
- Adheres to established procedures.
- Proactively escalates risks, incidents and concerns to the Registered Nurse.
Leadership
- Leads by example through professional conduct, ethical behaviour and adherence to clinical standards.
- Promotes patient dignity, safety and quality care.
- Supports a positive team environment through effective collaboration, accountability and commitment to healthcare excellence.
Management
- Coordinates assigned patient care activities and administrative tasks in accordance with clinic procedures and Registered Nurse instructions.
- Maintains accurate records.
- Supports effective patient flow.
- Monitors the availability of clinical supplies.
- Contributes to maintaining a safe, organised and compliant healthcare environment.
Technical Skills
- Proficient in measuring and recording vital signs and patient observations.
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.
- Basic first aid.
- Clinical documentation and patient administration processes.
- Competent in the use and maintenance of basic clinical equipment, including blood pressure monitors, thermometers, glucometers, pulse oximeters and weighing scales.
- Competent in the use of electronic patient record systems.
- Sound knowledge of SANC scope of practice, healthcare legislation, ethical standards and patient confidentiality requirements.
Special Conditions of Employment
- 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 the prescribed uniform and identification badge.
- Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary and maintenance of current registration status.
- Must practise within the Nursing Act, applicable healthcare legislation and 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 & Benefits
- Market-related salary.
- Medical aid.
- Provident fund.
- Staff account.
Important Information
It's important to note that not all candidates in our talent pool will be hired by Dis-Chem Pharmacies, and being in the talent pool does not guarantee employment. However, it increases a candidate's chances of being considered and potentially hired when a suitable position aligns with their qualifications and the company's needs.
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.