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: 

Higher Certificate in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101883  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Arwyp Training Institute (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
Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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   2031-06-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
119006  Higher Certificate in Nursing  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification will lead to a Higher Certificate in the category Auxiliary Nurse. This qualification is an entry level into nursing. The qualification serves to provide learners with knowledge, tools and techniques to enter into additional higher education studies in nursing. Learners who obtain this qualification will be deemed competent in applying knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual skills and practice competencies to articulate to higher studies in nursing.

The programme focuses on general principles and their application in the provision of nursing care. The qualification signifies that learners have achieved a level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing. It also signifies that the learner can apply this knowledge and competence in the workplace, specifically in a health care setting. The programme is characterised by a work integrated learning component.

Rationale:
This qualification serves to provide an entry level qualification to the profession of nursing. The rationale is to provide nurses to provide nursing care in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical framework or parameters.

The nursing profession is re-examining the impact of changing health systems in South Africa and its impact on nursing. The disease profile has changed, and the profession is challenged with the burden of disease and increasing attrition in skilled and experienced health care professionals. Therefore, there is a need to focus on planning for the future supply of nurses and anticipate future shortages. Due to the pivotal position of nurses in the healthcare industry there is a need to ensure that there are enough nurses to meet the future health care demands.

The nursing qualifications have been aligned with the best in the world and although the first level health care workers are not recognised internationally, South Africa has to cater for its own health care needs. This Higher Certificate as Auxiliary Nurse may alleviate the burden in health care settings and ensure that Health Care Settings have the resources to provide basic nursing care. This nursing programme allows for a category of nurses that have the knowledge and skills to provide basic nursing care in a variety of health care settings. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An application must be submitted according to the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy for individual assessment for Recognition of Prior Learning process for access to this qualification or credit bearing exemption. Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios, other forms of appropriate evidence and/or challenge examinations, as agreed to between the relevant provider and relevant quality council. Learners will receive a maximum of the prescribed percentage of the completed qualification, as determined in the policy of the institution and the relevant Quality Council.

Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Nation Certificate (Vocational) (NCV), Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Bio Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Care, 64 Credits.
  • Professionalism and Ethics, 16 Credits.
  • Basic Community Nursing, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Biophysics, Pharmacology and Microbiology in the provision of care.
    2. Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
    3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in various health care setting.
    4. Demonstrate appropriate methods of interacting sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
    5. Maintain Professionalism in nursing practice within the ethical and legal framework.
    6. Participate in addressing the needs of the individual and groups in the community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of macro body structure and functioning by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functioning of Anatomy, Physiology, Biophysics, Pharmacology and Microbiology in the provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Maintain oral and written communication to promote effective fundamental nursing care.
  • Demonstrate clear, relevant and unambiguous written communication.
  • Demonstrate congruent non-verbal communication with oral communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Implement and evaluate individual and or group health care plans across the health-illness continuum in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Apply information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions to the individual or group.
  • Apply appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of treatment of injuries and accidents and basic life support.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement nursing interventions with sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conduct recording in compliance with legal criteria.
  • Maintain patient records accurately, concisely and systematically, to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.
  • Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information in interaction with patients and others.
  • Display adherence to professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Implement health promotion programmes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will be done throughout the course.

    Formative Assessments:
    Formative assessments will be conducted on both theoretical and clinical component of the program. The formative assessments will be done on a regular basis by nurse educators, registered nurses, the peer-group and self-assessment. The method of assessment may vary from written tests, assignments, role-play, case studies, workbooks, on the spot assessment to simulation or in the accredited clinical facilities. At the commencement of the program the students are provided with an assessment strategy for both the theoretical and clinical component of the program.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will be conducted on both the theoretical as well as clinical component of the programme. The Summative Assessment for the theoretical component will be conducted by means of formal theoretical examinations.

    At the end of each semester the student will write to following examinations:
  • Biomedical Nursing Sciences and Pharmacology. Module 1: 1 x 2 (Two) Hour Theoretical Examination at the end of each Semester.
  • Integrated Theoretical Examination of Module 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: 1 x 3 (Three) Hour Theoretical Paper at the end of each semester.

    The student must successfully complete the formative clinical component of the programme to be entered into the summative clinical examination.

    The clinical assessment will assess the competence of the learner and the ability to integrate theory and clinical principles as well as professional conduct and psycho-social skills.

    The clinical assessment of the program will be done by means of:
  • Monthly professional growth reports.
  • Case Study Presentations.
  • Clinical Workbooks.
  • Clinical Portfolio of Evidence.
  • Summative Clinical examination.

    A summative clinical assessment will be conducted by the Nursing Education Institutions (NEI's) at the end of the academic year.

    The student must pass both the theoretical and clinical component of the course with an aggregate of at least 50% to pass the program. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Nursing Council defines international comparability as an analysis of how a qualification compares with and relates to similar international qualifications. South Africa is an active member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). The ICN differentiates between what they refer to as a first and a second level nurse. The first level nurse refers to the generalist nurse in the current South African terms. The second level nurse on the other hand refers to a nurse who has completed a qualification of study in preparation for practising nursing under the supervision of the first level nurse. This would be similar to the Auxiliary Nurse in South African terms. In most countries around the world, this category of nurse is not recognised by their relevant nursing professional councils or relevant licensing authorities.

    However, South African qualifications in nursing have always been aligned with the best in the world and it is common knowledge that the services of South African nurses are in great demand in all parts of the globe.

    In Australia, an Assistant Nursing qualification is offered. The focus of the qualification is to enable Nursing Assistants to help nurses provide patients with direct support and services in health and community centres and environments. Learners need to be understanding and helpful with patients and be able to perform a variety of functions and services.

    In the United Kingdom the initial nursing qualification guides learners through the basic strategies and key competencies utilized in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating effective community disease prevention and health promotion programmes. Learners are introduced to key public health practices and concepts through both direct observation and classroom experience.

    In the USA the initial qualification is obtained under the direction and supervision of nurses and patient support services managers, the nursing assistants will undertake a range of duties which support clinical care. Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are vital to the daily operations in hospitals and nursing care facilities. CNAs are on the front lines of patient care, work under the supervision of a nurse to help patients with daily living tasks, and check patient vital signs. CNAs give patients important social and emotional support and also provide vital information on patient conditions to nurses. With experience and further training, nursing assistants can become enrolled nurses or registered nurses. Such courses are offered at institutions such as the International Career Institute (UK) and PLATT College (USA).

    In South Africa, the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing is now presented at higher education level and will deliver graduates with knowledge and skills at a higher level of expertise. The qualification is comparable with the best available in this category anywhere in the world and, at the very least, is likely to be utilised in the SADC region and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa as well as other third- and first-world countries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • The Higher Certificate in Emergency Care, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Nursing, Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. Arwyp Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 


    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.