Healthcare & NursingVery High Demand

Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) Jobs in South Africa

The entry point into professional nursing in South Africa. ENAs complete a 1-year Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (R169 qualification) and work under supervision of enrolled and registered nurses.

Also known as: Nursing AuxiliaryAlso known as: Auxiliary NurseAlso known as: Student NurseAlso known as: Junior Nurse

Salary Guide

Entry Level

R6,000–R9,000/month

0–1 year experience

Mid Level

R9,000–R12,000/month

2–4 years experience

Senior Level

R12,000–R15,000/month

5+ years experience

Requirements

Essential

Matric with maths and science (biology preferred)
SANC registration
No criminal record
Physical fitness
Empathy and patience

Nice to Have

First aid certificate
Volunteer hospital experience
Computer literacy
Driver's licence

A Typical Day

Assist patients with basic hygiene and feeding

Take and record vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)

Make beds and maintain ward cleanliness

Escort patients to treatment areas

Report observations to supervising nurses

Work Environment: Hospital wards, clinics, old age homes, or home-based care settings. Physically demanding — lots of standing and lifting.

Shift Patterns: 12-hour shifts (day: 7am–7pm, night: 7pm–7am) with 2–3 days off between sets. Includes weekends and public holidays.

Career Progression

Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary

0–2 years

R6,000–R9,000/month

Enrolled Nurse (Bridging Course)

2–4 years

R8,000–R14,000/month

Registered Nurse (Degree)

4–8 years

R12,000–R30,000/month

Specialist Nurse / Unit Manager

8–12 years

R25,000–R45,000/month

Interview Preparation

Top Interview Tips

1Show genuine passion for patient care
2Know basic nursing ethics and patient rights
3Discuss how you handle difficult patients
4Be familiar with infection control basics
5Show willingness to work shifts and weekends

Common Assessments

SANC registration verificationEnglish and numeracy testPhysical fitness assessmentCriminal background checkHealth screening (including TB test)

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA)?

Matric with maths and science (biology preferred). SANC registration. No criminal record. Physical fitness. Empathy and patience.

How much does a Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) earn in South Africa?

Entry level: R6,000–R9,000/month. Mid-level: R9,000–R12,000/month. Senior: R12,000–R15,000/month.

What is a typical day like for a Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA)?

Assist patients with basic hygiene and feeding. Take and record vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse). Make beds and maintain ward cleanliness. Escort patients to treatment areas. Report observations to supervising nurses.

What shifts do Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA)s work?

12-hour shifts (day: 7am–7pm, night: 7pm–7am) with 2–3 days off between sets. Includes weekends and public holidays.

How do I prepare for a Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) interview?

Show genuine passion for patient care. Know basic nursing ethics and patient rights. Discuss how you handle difficult patients. Be familiar with infection control basics. Show willingness to work shifts and weekends.

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