SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Nursing

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101446	Diploma in Nursing
ORIGINATOR
Netcare Education (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
This qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service orientated, independent Registered Staff Nurse, who is able to render nursing care as determined by the appropriate legislative framework.

The qualification will provide a basis for decision-making about what is within and beyond the defined scope of practice, as well as provide an understanding of the referral system in place for anything outside of the scope of practice. The learner will be able to apply evidence-based nursing practice which is based on research or established practices that have proven to be effective both nationally and internationally within the profession.

The qualification aims to:

Produce high quality graduates who will be able to be competent nursing practitioners in a range of health service settings.

Provide graduates with a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.

Equip graduates with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in an accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen work place.

Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life. These include:
> A methodical, solution-based approach to problem solving.
> An empowerment strengths-based approach to personal development.
> Competence in written and oral communication.
> Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
> Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
> Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Rationale:
This qualification will prepare the qualifying learner to be a generalist nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country. The nurse with this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources in health in South Africa, taking into consideration the country's historical background and the shortage of professional nurses and doctors in the country. The practice of this nurse is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

For access to this qualification or credit bearing exemptions, an application must be submitted according to the RPL policy of the institution for individual assessment.

Entry Requirements:

Access to this qualification is a National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at Exit Level 3 or 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 383 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 34 Credits:

Ethos and Professional Practice 1A, 4 Credits.

General Nursing Science 1A, 20 Credits.

Nursing Management 2A, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 275 Credits:

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1A, 18 Credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1B, 18 Credits

Psychology 1A, 8 Credits

Sociology 1B, 8 Credits

Infection Prevention 1B, 10 Credits

Pharmacology 1B, 5 Credits

Infection Prevention 1A, 5 Credits.

General Nursing Science 1B, 20 Credits.

Ethos and Professional Practice 2A, 4 Credits.

General Nursing Science 2A, 30 Credits.

General Nursing Science 2B, 30 Credits.

Primary Health Care 2A, 10 Credits.

Primary Health Care 2B, 15 Credits.

Mental Health Nursing 2B, 16 Credits.

Pharmacology 2A, 10 Credits.

Pharmacology 2B, 10 Credits.

Infection Prevention 2B, 5 Credits.

Nursing Research 2B, 5 Credits.

Ethos and Professional Practice 3A, 5 Credits.

Nursing Management 3A, 10 Credits.

Nursing Management 3B, 10 Credits.

Infection Prevention 3A, 7 Credits.

Pharmacology 3A, 8 Credits.

Pharmacology 3B (Dispensing), 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 74 Credits:

General Nursing Science 3A, 15 Credits.

General Nursing Science 3B, 15 Credits.

Primary Health Care 3A, 15 Credits.

Primary Health Care 3B, 15 Credits.

Nursing Research 3A, 6 Credits.

Nursing Research 3B, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
2. Apply knowledge of psycho-social sciences in the practice of nursing.
3. Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
4. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various health care settings.
5. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
6. Use and maintain health care information systems for nursing practice.
7. Manage a health care unit by implementing the management process.
8. Provide reproductive Health care to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology in caring for the health care user.

Apply knowledge of microbiology in caring for the health care user.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply knowledge of psychology and sociology in ways which will benefit the quality of health care delivered to health care users.

Understand and apply knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the lifespan.

Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.

Identify and manage a range of psychological emergency situations accordingly.

Deal with emotional demands of nursing practice effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Provide preventative, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various Health care settings.

Prescribe, control, dispense and administer medications a in various health care settings within legislative requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Render nursing care within an ethical legal framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use and maintain health care information systems in the practice of nursing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Implement the management process in managing a Health care unit.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Promote and maintain the optimum health of individuals and families through the provision of reproductive Health care.

Integrated Assessment:
All assessment will be conducted in line with assessment policy of the institution. The Work Integrated Component (WIL) in this qualification will be assessed by means of procedural assessments, comprehensive patient care assessments, Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCE) and portfolios of evidence. A minimum of sixty percent of formative work integrated learning assessments will be conducted in real life situations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

South Africa is a member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the African Union (AU), formerly a member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. This generalist nursing qualification meets recognition requirements in the member countries of these organisations and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa .In recognition of the reality of globalisation of nursing and nursing personnel, the ICN recommends global competencies for the generalist nurse, first level nurse(ICN, 2008). The ICN describes the generalist, first level nurse as a person who has completed a programme of basic nursing education and is qualified in her/his country to practise nursing. The educational programme prepares the nurse, through study of behavioural, life and nursing sciences and clinical experience, for effective practice and direction of nursing care, and for the leadership role. This nurse is responsible for planning, providing and evaluating nursing care in all settings for the promotion of health, prevention of illness, care of the sick and rehabilitation; and functions as a member of a health team. This qualification is further aligned to the Global Standards for the Initial Education of Professional Nurses and Midwives as produced by the Department of Human Resources for Health, World Health Organisation (WHO, 2009) which serves as a benchmark for ensuring that education and learning systems achieve a common competency-based outcome in an age of increasing globalisation.

This qualification compares favourably with three year diploma programmes in nursing in Africa. In Kenya, numerous institutions like the St. Mary's school of Clinical Medicine and the Presbyterian University of East Africa offer a Diploma in Nursing .In Botswana most of the institutions affiliated with the Institute of Health Sciences offers a three year Diploma in Nursing. The University of Swaziland offers a three year Diploma in General Nursing which is comparable with qualification except that it includes a module on Ethos and Professional Practice of Midwifery which is not contained in the Netcare Hospital Management qualification.

The Institute of Health and Nursing in Australia, offers a Diploma of Nursing. This is a two year programme. This qualification will provide the qualifying students with the practical skills and knowledge to assist in the provision of preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing. Furthermore they will learn about anatomy and physiology, infection control, nursing care of the client, legal and ethical parameters of nursing practice and promote positive health. A Diploma in Nursing in the United States of America leads to registration as a Licensed Practice Nurse. These are also two year programmes. At the Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing a hospital-based diploma program is offered. This programme has a blend of nursing theory, a strong clinical component, and a focus on community service. Students must pass the National Council of Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses. The Fanshawe College in Canada offers a two year Diploma in Practical Nursing. The program emphasizes the dynamic role of the Practical Nurse in the health care community and will prepare qualifying students for a career in which they will function as an important member of the health care team. The curriculum focuses on caring and health promotion and continues to evolve and be responsive to the current nursing and health care evidence and trends.

Conclusion:
This qualification meets the criteria set out by the ICN Global Standards for the Initial Education of Professional Nurses and Midwives and compares favourably with qualifications in other African countries as well as first world countries, taking onto account the burden of disease in South Africa compared to that of the international community.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers the following articulation options:
Horizontal Articulation:

A Diploma in appropriate other fields.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma: Midwifery at Level 7.

Professional Degree: Nursing and Midwifery at Level 8.

Diagonal Articulation:

A Postgraduate Diploma in appropriate other fields.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Netcare Education (Pty) Ltd