Matron

Matrons are responsible for all the household affairs of the residences, hostels, hospices or institutions where they are employed.

Matrons have a very responsible job and have a large personnel corps working under them. They have various assistants and delegate some of their duties such as the responsibility for the upkeep of gardens, furniture and buildings, to them.

They supervise the cleaning of the building, the cooking of meals and the laundry. Matrons control and stock provisions, work out menus (at some institutions), see to it that the kitchen and laundry run smoothly and that all preparations are up to standard.

Matrons are also responsible for the care of the sick people in the hostel or institution and for administration of medicine. Matrons mostly work long hours and usually stay at their workplaces.

Personal Requirements

strong sense of responsibility
friendliness
diligence
an interest in housekeeping
enjoy working with people
have managerial skills
be authoritative
have supervisory skills
be physically healthy

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

To study a degree in Nursing you must have a National Senior Certificate (Matric), or equivalent with a Bachelor's Degree pass.
To study a diploma in Nursing at a nursing college you will need to pass matric with a Diploma pass.
To study Nursing Auxiliary at nursing college you will need a Grade 10 although a matric is preferred.

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences

Each institution has its own entry requirements depending on the level of study. Because entry requirements differ from one course to another, the requirements of the specific course in which you are interested should be checked.

What to Study

No formal training exists and in-service training is given to prospective matrons.

Employment