About the position
Job Description: Enrolled Nurse - Elderly Care (Dementia Focus)
Position Title: Enrolled Nurse
Department: Elderly Care / Dementia Care Unit
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Registered Nurse / Unit Manager
1. Position Overview
The Enrolled Nurse provides safe, compassionate, and person-centred nursing care to older adults, particularly those living with dementia. Working under the supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse, the Enrolled Nurse supports the physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing of residents by delivering high-quality clinical and personal care within a dementia-friendly environment.
2. Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care
- Provide direct nursing care and personal care in alignment with the resident's care plan.
- Support residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and continence management.
- Monitor and record vital signs, behaviours, symptoms, and changes in condition, reporting promptly to the Registered Nurse.
- Assist with medication administration in accordance with scope of practice and facility policy.
- Support dementia-specific behavioural care, employing de-escalation and person-centred techniques.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and care records.
Dementia-Specific Support
- Apply dementia care principles such as validation, orientation, redirection, and person-centred communication.
- Support residents during episodes of confusion, agitation, or behavioural changes using supportive, non-pharmacological strategies.
- Promote a safe and calming environment tailored to cognitive impairment needs.
- Engage residents in meaningful, stimulating activities to support cognitive function and emotional wellbeing.
Resident Wellbeing & Family Engagement
- Build trusting relationships with residents and families, ensuring dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
- Provide emotional support to residents experiencing anxiety, memory loss, or confusion.
- Communicate effectively with families regarding day-to-day observations and resident needs.
Safety, Compliance & Teamwork
- Follow infection prevention and control guidelines, including safe handling of equipment and waste.
- Support falls prevention, pressure care, and risk-reduction strategies.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members (caregivers, allied health, RNs).
- Adhere to organisational policies, ethical standards, and nursing scope of practice.
- Participate in handovers, staff meetings, and ongoing education/training.
3. Qualifications & Requirements
- Enrolled Nurse qualification and current registration with the relevant Nursing Council/Board.
- Experience in elderly care or dementia care (preferred but not essential).
- Knowledge of dementia, behavioural symptoms, and person-centred care.
- Competency in basic clinical skills (vital signs, wound care, medication support, documentation).
- Clear criminal background check and compliance with health requirements.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
4. Key Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Compassion, patience, and empathy when supporting cognitively impaired residents.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure and respond to behavioural challenges.
- Teamwork and willingness to collaborate in a multidisciplinary care environment.
- Reliability, professionalism, and high ethical standards.
- Attention to detail with accurate documentation skills.
5. Working Conditions
- Shift work, including weekends and public holidays, may be required.
- Physically active role involving lifting, assisting residents, and prolonged periods of walking or standing.
- Work within a dementia care unit, which may involve responding to unpredictable behaviours.
Desired Skills:
- Vital Signs Monitoring
- Medication Administration
- Wound Care
- Patient Hygiene and Comfort
- Procedural Assistance
- Infection Control
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Desired Qualification Level & Accreditations:
- Diploma
- South African Nursing Council
Employer & Job Benefits:
- Pension Fund
- Medical Insurance
