Relief Donor Care Officer ‐ SANBS

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Relief Donor Care Officer (Registered Professional Nurse) – SANBS 2026

Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa
Organisation: South African National Blood Service (SANBS)
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: R502,542 per annum
Industry: Health & Fitness / Healthcare
Application Closing Date: 13 June 2026

Join SANBS and Help Save Lives Every Day

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is inviting applications from qualified and dedicated Registered Professional Nurses for the position of Relief Donor Care Officer. This rewarding role offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to the national blood supply by ensuring safe donor care, quality blood collection processes, and exceptional service delivery across blood donation clinics.

As a Relief Donor Care Officer, you will provide nursing support within the blood collection department and may be required to travel and provide relief services within the designated zone at short notice. The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining donor safety, meeting collection targets, and supporting SANBS’s mission of saving lives through the provision of safe blood products.

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to assess donor eligibility and perform various blood collection procedures according to SANBS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that all collection activities comply with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements while delivering a professional and positive donor experience.

The role requires flexibility, strong clinical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Assessment & Care

  • Assess the suitability and eligibility of blood donors according to SANBS protocols.
  • Provide professional nursing care throughout the donation process.
  • Ensure donor safety before, during, and after donation procedures.
  • Respond appropriately to donor reactions and medical emergencies.

Blood Collection Operations

  • Perform:
    • Whole Blood Collections
    • Whole Blood Autologous Collections
    • Designated Blood Collections
    • Double Red Cell Collections
    • Apheresis Platelet Collections
  • Adhere strictly to SANBS Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensure accurate documentation and record management.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Maintain compliance with SANBS quality standards.
  • Support risk management and infection prevention measures.
  • Ensure all equipment and procedures meet regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Operational Support

  • Assist in achieving blood collection targets.
  • Participate in mobile and clinic collection operations.
  • Support clinic logistics and operational efficiency.
  • Drive company vehicles when required for operational purposes.

Leadership & Team Support

  • Provide guidance and support to clinic staff when required.
  • Promote teamwork and positive working relationships.
  • Assist with staff coordination on an ad hoc basis.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Relations

  • Deliver excellent donor and customer service.
  • Build positive relationships with donors and colleagues.
  • Represent SANBS professionally at all times.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualifications

  • Registered Professional Nurse (RPN) qualification.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate.
  • Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
  • Current and valid CPR Certificate.

Experience

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.

Additional Requirements

  • Valid Code 8 or Code 10 Driver’s Licence.
  • Ability to drive company vehicles when operationally required.
  • Willingness to travel and provide relief support across the zone.
  • Availability to work overtime, weekends, public holidays, and variable shifts within prescribed limits.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to remain standing for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift and carry loads of up to 14kg.
  • Ability to assist with loading and off-loading vehicles and equipment.
  • Ability to climb stairs when required.

Essential Competencies

SANBS is looking for candidates who demonstrate:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Professional customer service orientation
  • Strong relationship-building capabilities
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • High ethical and professional standards
  • Ability to perform effectively under pressure

Why Join SANBS?

Working for SANBS means becoming part of a nationally respected healthcare organisation dedicated to saving lives every day. Employees enjoy the opportunity to:

  • Make a meaningful impact on patient care and public health.
  • Work within a highly professional healthcare environment.
  • Gain specialised experience in transfusion medicine and blood collection services.
  • Develop valuable clinical, operational, and leadership skills.
  • Contribute to one of South Africa’s most important healthcare services.

Application Information

Applications must be submitted before 13 June 2026.

Please note:

  • Applications will be considered in line with SANBS Employment Equity objectives.
  • If you do not receive feedback within three weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Apply Here