Michaelhouse seeks sanatorium sister/school nurse, starting January 2026

Michaelhouse, a well-established Anglican Independent senior boarding school for boys located in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is currently looking to appoint a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to join their Sanatorium team. This crucial full-time position, known as a Sanatorium Sister or School Nurse, is set to commence in January 2026. The successful candidate will be instrumental in providing 24/7 primary healthcare, managing chronic conditions, and offering preventative health support to the students, all while upholding the school’s Christian values and ethos. If you are a compassionate healthcare professional eager to contribute to the well-being of young people in a structured boarding school environment, Michaelhouse encourages your application.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• School Name: Michaelhouse
• Location: KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa (Founded in 1896)
• Position: Sanatorium Sister / School Nurse
• Start Date: January 2026
• Application Closing Date: 17 October 2025
• Role Type: Full-time, involving rotational shift work, including weekends, and occasional duty during school events or festivals during school holidays.
• Key Responsibilities: Providing clinically effective, high-quality nursing care to boarders, first aid to the entire school community, managing chronic conditions, injury care, referrals, and preventative health measures.
• Essential Qualifications:
  • Registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse.
  • A Dispensing Licence that can be relocated, or a Dispensing Course Certificate that can be registered to Michaelhouse Sanatorium.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience, preferably with adolescent or school-based care.
• Advantageous Qualifications: Primary Health Care, Occupational Health Care, or a Nursing Degree.
• Key Skills & Attributes: Ability to work independently and collaboratively, strong clinical skills (trauma, chronic disease management, preventive care), excellent communication, organisational, and record-keeping skills, computer literacy (Word, Excel), and a caring, compassionate, and student-centred approach. Familiarity with ADAM programme or similar school management systems is beneficial.
• Accommodation: A small flatlet is provided for use when on duty.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Michaelhouse, a well-respected Anglican independent boarding school for boys in Grades 8 to 12, established in 1896 in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is seeking a dedicated Sanatorium Sister or School Nurse. This full-time role, commencing in January 2026, is central to the health and well-being of the students. The successful candidate will be a compassionate, qualified, and experienced Registered Nurse with a passion for youth healthcare and education.

The Sanatorium at Michaelhouse provides a comprehensive, high-quality nursing service, operating on a 24/7 rotational shift basis, which includes weekends and occasional duties during school holidays for events. As part of a dynamic healthcare team, the San Sister delivers exceptional primary health care, manages chronic conditions, and supports pupils through injury care, appropriate referrals, and preventative health programmes. Essential duties range from administering emergency first aid, supervising in-patient care, ensuring accurate medical record-keeping, to coordinating health education initiatives like vaccinations and concussion management.

Candidates must be registered as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and possess a dispensing licence or certificate registrable to the Michaelhouse Sanatorium. A minimum of five years’ experience, ideally with adolescents or in a school setting, is required, alongside strong clinical skills in trauma and chronic disease management. Computer literacy is a must, and familiarity with school management systems like ADAM is a plus. The school values individuals who are caring, student-centred, and willing to engage with the broader Michaelhouse community while upholding the school’s Christian values.

Due to the nature of the role and the requirement for rotational shifts, this position is best suited for someone already residing within a reasonable travelling distance of Michaelhouse. A small flatlet is available for the San Sister’s use when on duty.

How to apply for this post

• Complete the online application form available at: https://forms.gle/K1RzYbLShx67Bcwx5
• In addition to the online form, email your motivation letter and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to [email protected]
• Please remember to reference the job title “Sanatorium Sister / School Nurse” in the subject line of your email.
• The closing date for applications is 17 October 2025.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Michaelhouse reserves the right not to fill this position and is committed to transformation, with preference given to candidates from designated groups in line with their Employment Equity Plan.

Potential candidate questions and advice for a preferred application

• Q: What specific experience is Michaelhouse looking for in a school nurse?
  A: The school highly values experience with adolescents or in a school-based care setting, ideally a minimum of 5 years. Strong clinical skills in trauma, chronic disease management, and preventive care are essential.
• Q: How can I highlight my compassion and student-centred approach in my application?
  A: In your motivation letter, share specific examples where you’ve demonstrated empathy, built trust with young patients, and prioritised their well-being. Discuss your philosophy on youth health education and support.
• Q: What are the key technical skills required beyond nursing qualifications?
  A: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is crucial. Any experience with school management systems like ADAM would be a significant advantage, so be sure to mention it.
• Q: Is the dispensing licence a strict requirement, or can it be obtained after employment?
  A: It is a strict requirement to either have a dispensing licence that can be relocated or a Dispensing Course Certificate that can be registered to the Michaelhouse Sanatorium to dispense medication. Ensure this is clearly stated on your CV.
• Q: What should I know about the working hours and location?
  A: The role involves rotational shift work, including weekends, and occasional duties during school holidays. While a flatlet is provided for duty nights, the position is best suited for someone already living within a reasonable commuting distance of Michaelhouse in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
• Q: How important is alignment with the school’s Christian values?
  A: Michaelhouse is an Anglican Independent school, and the successful candidate is expected to maintain its Christian values and ethos and be willing to become involved in the broader school community. Demonstrate an understanding and respect for these values in your application.
• Q: What makes a motivation letter stand out for this role?
  A: A compelling motivation letter will articulate your passion for youth health, directly address how your experience aligns with the specific duties listed, and explain why you are drawn to working in a boarding school environment like Michaelhouse.
• Q: What if I have a nursing degree but not specific primary or occupational health care specialisations?
  A: While Primary Health Care or Occupational Health Care specialisations are advantageous, a general Nursing Degree combined with relevant experience and a clear demonstration of the required clinical skills can still make you a strong candidate.
• Q: What should I include in my CV to be considered a preferred candidate?
  A: Your CV should clearly detail your SANC registration, dispensing qualifications, relevant experience with dates, clinical skills acquired (especially in trauma and chronic care), and your computer proficiencies. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Q: What if I don’t hear back after applying?
  A: Michaelhouse explicitly states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. While it can be disappointing, it’s important to remember that submission of an application does not guarantee an interview, and the school reserves the right not to fill the position.

Institution details

• School Name: Michaelhouse
• Location: KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa
• Vacancy Source: Find more details about this specific role at ISASA Vacancies

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