Females Rising through Education, Support and Health (FRESH)
ENROLLED NURSES
The Health Systems Trust (HST) seeks to appoint two Enrolled Nurses for the 'Females Rising through Education, Support and Health' (FRESH) programme based in uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The FRESH programme conducts basic scientific research, combined with a skills development/empowerment programme for young female study participants. FRESH research is primarily focused on immune response in the earliest stages of acute HIV-1 infection (AHI) and other women's health issues. The FRESH skills development programme focuses on job readiness, women's health, and empowerment modules.
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform phlebotomy in accordance with the approved sampling schedule.
- Conduct finger-prick testing for HIV-RNA (viral load) in line with the protocol.
- Assist the Research Nurse with sampling, including: filing the clinic visit form; completing stickers; handling and labelling tubes; completing forms; and serving as a second check for accuracy before sample collection.
- Ensure that specimens are ready on time for collection and transport by couriers, and assist the courier in specimen collection and packing. Communicate with laboratories to ensure that the collected samples are received.
- Maintain thorough and accurate documentation and record-keeping, ensuring that all visit forms are filled completely and correctly.
- Assist with driving the FRESH vehicle for errands if and when needed.
- Be available to assist the Research Nurse with sampling and/or documentation on Saturdays whenever necessary.
- Be an active member of the clinical team, assisting the Research Nurse in scheduling participants' appointments. Take note of participants' appointments on the Google calendar. Provide reports on participant bookings and visits during clinical meetings. Follow up on participants' missed appointments within 24 hours to rebook missed appointments, and schedule these on the Google calendar.
- Ensure that participants are screened and attended to as soon as possible to avoid long waiting periods at the site.
- Accurately fill in clinic visit forms and case report forms for each visit.
- Provide antiretroviral (ART) adherence counselling and drug-resistance training for participants when necessary. Support all participants with ART adherence.
- Contribute to the development of a crisis intervention plan for participants.
- File all laboratory results within 24 hours of receiving them.
- Ensure appropriate handling of all confidential participant information, including names, dates of birth, enrolment status, laboratory results, etc.
- Ensure that clinical files are kept in a secure, locked cabinet/area and are accessible only to qualified members of the research team, and are not removed from the premises.
Perform required procedures and monitor participants for all studies, as and when required.
- Assist with educating participants about FRESH procedures, including pelvic examination.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum qualifications and certifications
- Enrolled Nurse with current South African Nursing Council (SANC) registration
- Phlebotomy certificate (preferred)
- A recognised HIV/AIDS counselling certificate
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification
Minimum experience
- At least two years' experience in general nursing
- At least two years' clinical research experience
- Experience in HIV care and support
Competencies
- A demonstrated passion for working in underserved communities and a nuanced understanding of local cultural norms in uMlazi (or similar communities).
- Ability to capture data consistently and accurately.
- Ability to draw blood samples under supervision or independently, and to monitor any associated adverse reactions.
- Exceptional organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
- Sharp time management skills.
- Excellent communication and writing skills; ability to relay information clearly.
- Excellent team leadership and mentoring skills.
- A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel after hours.
- Fluency in English and isiZulu.
Added advantage
- Certified training in Nurse-initiated Management of ART (NIMART)
- Clinical trial experience
REMUNERATION
A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications and in line with HST's Job Grading System will be offered.
APPLICATIONS/ENQUIRIES
- Interested applicants must complete their application online at: https://careers.hst.org.za/
- Applicants are to ensure that their online applications are completed in full, and that comprehensive CVs are uploaded with the online application in order to be considered.
- The applicant's CV must be saved with a filename reflecting their name and surname.
- No applications sent via e-mail will be considered for the job, as all applicants must submit their applications online at the provided link.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Personal information collected is processed lawfully in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
- Preference will be given to applicants residing in KwaZulu-Natal,
- Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of all qualifications and identity documents.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
- Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to reference and credential checks.
- If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
- HST reserves the right to not fill this position.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 7 March 2025, at 16h30
HEALTH SYSTEMS TRUST PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT EQUITY.
Health Systems Trust subscribes to diversity and inclusivity, which is informed by the Company's Employment Equity Plan.
Based on this, African males and people with disabilities who meet the job specifications (including but not limited to the required skills, knowledge and education), are encouraged to apply.